Noble Indy faces easier in Florida return

A couple of allowance/optional-claiming races are the marquee events on the 10-race card at Gulfstream Park this Sunday.

First up in the third race is a second-level allowance with a $62,500 claiming option. The one-mile race on turf drew six horses with Noble Indy the likely favorite.

Trained by Todd Pletcher, Noble Indy was impressive winning his only start on the Gulfstream turf in a third-level allowance race when running for a $75,000 claiming option on March 15. With Luis Saez riding, the 5-year-old son of Take Charge Indy broke on top and never looked back in the 1 1/8-mile race on turf.

He will appreciate the easier company after coming up empty in his next two races, both in New York. He found 1 3/8 miles beyond his reach in the $80,000 Tiller at Belmont and then faded after setting the pace in a conditioned allowance at Saratoga July 18. The winner, Digital Age, won the Grade 2 American Turf at Churchill Downs last year for trainer Chad Brown.

Noble Indy wants to be in front, but he did track the lone speed when he won the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby on the main track at the Fair Grounds in 2018.

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If he doesn’t break on top from the outside post, he could get a similar trip sitting just off Thunder Ride on Sunday. Edgard Zayas rides.

If a duel does develop, it could set up nicely for Harbour Master or Louder Than Bombs.

Over the Channel is gunning for his second-straight win in the ninth race, a first-level allowance race with a $25,000 option.

The one-mile race drew eight horses for turf. Allurstra and Il Faraone are entered as main-track only.

Trained by David Fawkes, Over the Channel came from a stalking position in his win for the same condition but restricted to Florida-breds on July 15. He received an 86 Beyer Speed Figure for his two-length victory over Rhythmia in the mile and a sixteenth race, which produced a couple of next-out winners in Souper Courage and Sublime Appeal.

He went into the race off an unlucky runner-up finish at the same level on June 5 when he didn’t break very well and then was game in defeat after making what looked like a winning move while going four wide around the stretch turn.

Over the Channel will break from post 6 with Miguel Velasquez picking up the mount from Emisael Jaramillo.

Battle of Blenheim looked good winning at this level and distance two back for trainer Michael Maker on May 9. He was claimed out of the race, and in his first start for trainer David Braddy finished eighth in the $60,000 Mecke on July 25.

He fits better in this spot and could be dangerous from a forward position with Zayas riding.

Projected and Indimaaj are also capable of winning if they show up with their best stuff.