In Reality rematches Liam's Lucky Charm, Chance It

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Arch-rivals Liam’s Lucky Charm and Chance It will square off in the rubber match when they meet for the third time in eight weeks in Saturday’s $400,000 In Reality Stakes, the final leg of the open division of the Florida Sire Stakes series.

Liam’s Lucky Charm and Chance It top a larger-than-expected field of 10 2-year-old colts and geldings in the 1 1/16-mile In Reality, which shares top billing on Saturday’s 14-race program with its filly counterpart, the $400,000 My Dear Girl.

The My Dear Girl attracted a dozen fillies, including Ceci Valentina, upset winner of the seven-furlong Susan’s Girl four weeks earlier.

Chance It won the battle of the post position draw, which can be crucial with the short run to the first turn in races at 1 1/16 miles at Gulfstream Park. Chance It will break from post 3 under new rider Tyler Gaffalione, with Liam’s Lucky Charm stuck out in post 8 with Reylu Gutierrez aboard.

Liam’s Lucky Charm is one of two horses trainer Ralph Nicks will send out in the In Reality along with Shivaree. Nicks won the race two years ago with Soutache.

Angel Rodriguez, who trains Ceci Valentina, has longshots Rebelde and Rosas Way entered for the In Reality. He was pleased when informed Ceci Valentina had drawn post 3 for the 1 1/16-mile My Dear Girl.

“That’s a good spot for her,” he said. “It will give her plenty of room to get a good position into the first turn. I heard it was a big field, so I’m glad she got somewhere closer to the inside. She’s trained very well since she won the last race. She’s ready.”