Perfect Step risks perfect meet in Hard Worker
Perfect Step has had a flawless summer at Gulfstream Park. She’s won all three of her starts at the meet and will attempt to make it four in a row Friday in the $75,000 Hard Worker.
“I think she’ll run well,” said Peter Walder, who on behalf of Matthew Newman and Aventura Stable claimed Perfect Step two starts ago.
The Hard Worker is a five-furlong turf sprint for fillies and mares, and Perfect Step will be cutting back in distance for the race. Her seven rivals include R Free Roll, a Grade 2 winner making just her second start on turf, and the formidable Ralph Nicks-trained pair of Zamquick and Angie’s Prim Lady.
KEY CONTENDERS
Perfect Step (Last 3 Beyers: 80-77-78)
◗ She was claimed July 26, when she won her second straight optional $25,000 claiming allowance over five furlongs on turf. Her new barn moved her to 7 1/2 furlongs on turf for an optional $35,000 claiming race Aug. 28.
“We decided to stretch her out for her first start after we claimed her,” Walder said. “She did what we thought she would do: She went to the lead and forgot to stop.”
◗ Perfect Step has won 8 of 25 starts, and that was part of her appeal at the claim box, said Walder.
“She’s a very consistent horse, worth $25,000 all day,” he said.
◗ Perfect Step will break from the rail under Edgar Prado.
“Cutting back, you think she’d sit a little off the pace,” Walder said. “I think she’ll be somewhat forwardly placed.”
R Free Roll (Last 3 Beyers: 77-87-88)
◗ A seven-time stakes winner, she’s making her first start since July 5, when she ran fifth in the Grade 2 Princess Rooney at Gulfstream.
◗ R Free Roll tried turf for the first time June 6 in the $60,000 Tiger Lily Handicap at Gulfstream and won by three-quarters of a length.
◗ Edgard Zayas, who has won five races since returning from injury Sept. 5, has the mount from post 2.