Nelida may change running style in first race since being claimed

Nelida could roll out some new tactics when she faces winners for the first time in Friday’s seventh race at Gulfstream Park.

The feature is a first-level allowance for fillies and mares bred in Florida and it has a claiming option of $20,000. The race will be run at a mile and 70 yards on Tapeta.

Nelida is part of a field of 10 that includes her more seasoned stablemate Lucky Peridot, sprint to route prospect Miles of Smiles, the comebacking Tiz Enough, and the capable Prettykeen.

Nelida is coming off a wire-to-wire win over $25,000 maiden-claiming rivals going around two turns on Tapeta on Aug. 20 at Gulfstream. Trainer Jose D’Angelo claimed her that afternoon on behalf of owner Bruno Schickedanz.

“Last time she was on the lead because it was maidens,” D’Angelo said. “Now, a tougher field, I would like to have her sitting second, third, behind the speed, not making the fast fractions.”

Jockey Leonel Reyes could settle Nelida just off Miles of Smiles, Angie From Kul, and She’s a Joy, who are all moving from sprint races to two turns Friday.

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D’Angelo claimed Nelida out of her second career start. In her debut, she rallied from off the pace and was second by a half-length in a $25,000 maiden-claiming route on Tapeta on July 21 at Gulfstream.

“She’s doing very well,” D’Angelo said. “She’s a filly with talent. She’s been racing against open company.”

Nelida earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 67 in her most recent race. That figure is tied for the Friday field’s best last-race Beyer. She shares the distinction with Lucky Peridot, who was claimed out of a fifth-place effort that day for $25,000 by D'Angelo.

Lucky Peridot will be looking for the eighth win of her career when she breaks from the rail under Edgard Zayas. She is in for the $20,000 claiming price.

Tiz Enough is making her first start since May for trainer Vernon Allinson, who wins at an above average rate with horses returning from layoffs of 61-180 days, according to a limited sample.

Prettykeen is moving back to Tapeta. The last time she ran on the surface she was third in the $65,000 Ginger Punch in June at Gulfstream.

Prettykeen’s last race came at this level over seven furlongs on the main track. She finished fifth to Pacific Princess, who came back in her next start to knock out her third straight win. It came in a first-level allowance over open company Oct. 22 at Gulfstream.

First post for the eighth-race card that opens the race week is 12:50 p.m. Eastern.

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