Refer looks to start new winning streak on turf-heavy card

Turf-racing fans will want to check out the strong card at Gulfstream Park on Wednesday, when seven of the nine races will be run on grass. And similar to race 7, a $25,000 optional-claiming race that drew 11 horses, most of the races have decent-sized fields and are highly competitive events with no standout favorites.

Adding to the card’s appeal is a $101,700 carryover in the Rainbow 6, which begins on the fourth race with a wide-open $50,000 maiden-claiming race for 2-year-olds. Keeping an eye on the tote board is imperative in trying to identify the winner of the 4 1/2-furlong dash on the main track.

Refer will try to start another winning streak in race 7, at 1 1/16 miles; he is coming off a runner-up finish at the same level and distance for trainer Jason Servis. Prior to his loss, he reeled off four consecutive wins beginning with an eight-length romp in a $40,000 maiden-claiming race at Belmont last July for trainer John Terranova. Servis claimed him out of the race for Michael Dubb.

Refer will be making his first start for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., who on behalf of Drawing Away Stable haltered him out of his last race.

Refer drew post 10, with Edgard Zayas riding.

Trainer Todd Pletcher is on a roll right now. Not only did he win the Kentucky Derby with Always Dreaming on Saturday, he swept both turf stakes for 3-year-olds at Gulfstream that day, winning the $75,000 English Channel with Bronson and the $75,000 Honey Ryder with Adorable Miss.

He trains Caribbean, who will be making his first start since he won a $75,000 maiden-claiming race that was washed off the turf at Saratoga and onto a sloppy main track in his last start as a 3-year-old last July.

Caribbean drew post 7, with leading rider Tyler Gaffalione aboard for the first time.

KEY CONTENDERS

Refer, by Divine Park
Last 3 Beyers: 82-85-83

◗ The consistent 5-year-old may have been able to keep his winning streak alive with a better trip in his last start. He had to wait for room on the stretch turn and then ended up going four wide while the winner made his move from along the rail.

Caribbean, by Harlan’s Holiday
Last 3 Beyers: 84-78-76

◗ Toss out his debut, and he’s been right there in all of his races.

◗ He’s lightly raced, so there could be plenty of upside potential, and Pletcher excels with horses coming back from lengthy layoffs.

Blue Harbor, by Rockport Harbor
Last 3 Beyers: 84-79-84

◗ Trained by David Fawkes, he can fire fresh and is coming off a sharp win over a sloppy track in a $50,000 starter race Feb. 22.

◗ Considering his 2-5-2 record from 10 starts over the Gulfstream turf course, at the very least, he should be part of any exotics ticket.