Morocco a top contender based on last start

In a race nearly impossible to separate the contenders from pretenders, Morocco rates consideration in a first-level allowance race at Gulfstream Park on Friday. The 5-year-old Kentucky-bred could be sitting on a peak performance in the third start of his form cycle. If he is, he could win the 7 1/2-furlong race, which drew a field of 11 horses for turf. Geonosis will start if the race is moved to the main track.

It is hard to trust Morocco. After all, he has just two wins in 27 starts. Nonetheless, he ran a huge race to finish second at 27-1 in a first-level allowance race with a $35,000 claiming option over the Gulfstream Park West turf course on Oct. 31. With Hugo Sanchez riding, he came from well back in the 1 1/16-mile race, but could not catch Max K. O., who led the whole way.

Morocco was making his second start for trainer Elizabeth Dobles. It was a big improvement over his first when he finished seventh in a first-level allowance race at Gulfstream Park West on Oct. 21.

Both of his wins came going a mile on turf, so he won’t mind the cutback in distance. With another step forward in his third start for Dobles he could be a handful.

He will break from the inside post with Sanchez up.

KEY CONTENDERS

Morocco, by Pioneerof the Nile

Last 3 Beyers: 84-69-69

◗ He put a string of solid races together in the spring, so he is capable of repeating his improved performance in his latest race.

◗ There should be an honest enough pace to set him up, and he is going to get a cozy trip breaking from the rail.

Blockbuster, by Medaglia d’Oro

Last 3 Beyers: 20-65-67

◗ The Mark Casse-trained 3-year-old was impressive winning his debut going 6 1/2 furlongs at Kentucky Downs last year, but did not progress in three subsequent starts.

◗ He has been off since he finished last in a first-level allowance race with a $50,000 claiming option at the Fair Grounds on Jan. 17. He could fire a big shot as a fresh and more mature horse.

Notorious Nick, by Uncaptured

Last 3 Beyers: 79-77-77

◗ Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., he has yet to run a poor race on grass and he looked good winning a statebred first-level allowance race in is first try over the Gulfstream Park West turf course on Oct. 18.

◗ The consistent 3-year-old drew will break from the outside post with Edgard Zayas aboard.

Resident Liberal, by Two Step Salsa

Last 3 Beyers: 77-70-64

◗ With Paco Lopez riding, the Mary Eppler trainee won his most recent start by a neck over Notorious Nick in a first-level allowance race for Florida-breds at Gulfstream Park on Sept. 27.

Lopez will again be aboard when he breaks from post 10.