Ranger in Paradise praying for rain in allowance feature

You never know about the weather in south Florida, especially at this time of year. Gulfstream Park racing officials set races for the turf course about as frequently as they can, but they’re often at the mercy of Mother Nature.

The long-range forecast for the Hallandale Beach area called for intermittent showers for several straight days from Friday through Monday. Frank Calabrese and his most recent main trainer, Mike Petro, surely are hoping there’s enough precipitation to force the Sunday feature off the grass and onto the main track.

That’s because Ranger in Paradise is a main-track-only designee for the lone allowance on an 11-race Sunday card and definitely would be the horse to beat in the $44,000 five-furlong race for 2-year-olds. In his lone start over dirt, Ranger in Paradise won by 9 3/4 lengths, earning a field-high 70 Beyer Speed Figure.

If the race stays on turf, the field is likely to get more contentious.

First post Sunday is 1:15 p.m. Eastern, and the nominal feature is set for 5:41.

After Sunday, Gulfstream goes dark for three days before another four-day race week begins Thursday.

Key contenders

Ranger in Paradise (Beyers: 70-50)

* Might not have beat much in his maiden romp June 26 as he was an odds-on favorite, but an outer post and several interim works clearly would make him and jockey Edgard Zayas the favorites if the race is transferred to the main track.

It’s Robin (Last 2 Beyers: 61-5)

* He is one of two contenders in here (with Imperial Warrior) for trainer Antonio Sano, and his sudden awakening in a maiden romp on the grass Aug. 21 would seem to make him a legitimate threat on either surface.

Bay Runner

* Florida-bred colt is difficult to gauge because of a nine-week gap between races, but it may be worth noting that trainer Ronny Werner is better than his recent numbers (layoffs, overall win percentage) suggest.

More Royalty (Beyer: 61)

* Ralph Nicks has entered this gray filly against the boys, and off her odds-on maiden victory last month, she appears capable of contending with her best.