Navarro has Bull Dozer back in form for Thursday optional claimer
Bull Dozer may be on the other side of midnight, but the 8-year-old gelding seems to have something left.
Stakes-placed on five occasions, Bull Dozer has amassed quite a record and has earned $545,943 during a 66-race career. Now he’ll try to capitalize on a recent return to form as he faces 10 other Florida-breds in the lone allowance on a 10-race Thursday card at Gulfstream Park in south Florida.
In his most recent start Nov. 19 at Gulfstream West, Bull Dozer was narrowly defeated for the same type of restrictions that govern the ninth race, a first-level, six-furlong allowance with a $12,500 claiming option. Having long ago exhausted his conditions, Bull Dozer is back in for the tag in his second go-round with Jorge Navarro.
Ten different trainers have worked with Bull Dozer since he finished sixth in his career debut on Oct. 10, 2010, at the old Calder for owner-trainer Chad Stewart. He proceeded to notch 18 wins, 12 seconds, and 10 thirds. Given the renewed interest he showed in his last start and Navarro’s overall propensity to elicit top efforts, he could be the one to beat in the nominal Thursday feature.
First post is 12:35 p.m. Eastern, with the feature set for 4:32.
KEY CONTENDERS
Bull Dozer, by Trippi
Last 3 Beyers: 82-55-76
◗ Navarro claimed him for $16,000 at Keeneland in October 2015 before losing him in August for $5,000, then claiming him right back for that same price in September.
Island Cat, by Cowtown Cat
Last 3 Beyers: 27-80-63
◗ Trained by Navarro but uncoupled with Bull Dozer for wagering purposes, he’ll return from a three-month layoff as the likely front-runner while also entered for the optional tag.
Kokomo Wildcat, by Wildcat Heir
Last 3 Beyers: 84-83-88
◗ Three-year-old turns back from two turns while going from turf to dirt for Larry Pilotti, who has gone an eye-opening 8 for 18 (44 percent) in the latter category.
Spintalk, by Backtalk
Last 3 Beyers: 77-66-65
◗ Fresh off a maiden score for Ralph Nicks, this GoldMark Farm homebred will be getting a stern class test when favorably drawn in the outside post.
Behzad’s Pride, by First Dude
Last 3 Beyers: 77-75-53
◗ Three-year-old exits “beaten” races while in decent form for Joe Orseno, who had a good last weekend by winning the King’s Swan at Aqueduct with Even Thunder.
