Refer pursuing fifth straight victory

Refer will be shooting for his fifth straight win when he runs in a $25,000 optional claimer at Gulfstream Park on Thursday. Considering that he won at the same level March 12, he likely will be favored in the 1 1/16-mile turf race that has 10 horses entered.

Tough Customer will start only if the race is moved to the main track.

Trained by Jason Servis, it seemed like Refer’s winning streak was over when they turned for home in his most recent race, which was at 7 1/2 furlongs. He had a perfect trip, sitting just off a duel between the favored Speightstown Time and Rappel, but when Nik Juarez asked him to engage the leaders coming out of the stretch turn, he seemed to stall. However, Refer responded in midstretch after Juarez switched his whip to his left hand, and he got up in the last jump to edge Speightstown Time by a head.

Refer shouldn’t have any trouble with the longer distance Thursday. His second win in the streak, and his first for Servis, came going 1 1/16 miles in a $50,000 starter race at Saratoga on Sept. 4. He was coming off an eight-length win in a $40,000 maiden-claiming race at Belmont Park for trainer John Terranova on July 17. Servis claimed him on behalf of Michael Dubb.

Prior to his latest win, Refer rallied to edge Fire on Fire in a one-mile race on turf at Gulfstream on Jan. 18.

Refer will break from post 4, with Juarez retaining the mount.

KEY CONTENDERS

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

◗ He had been off for almost two months prior to his latest win, so it is easy to imagine him moving forward in his second start back for a trainer who is on fire at this meet.

Galleon Mast, by Mizzen Mast
Last 3 Beyers: 85-86-85

◗ The main threat to Refer hasn’t finished worse than third in six starts over the Gulfstream Park turf course, and the only time he tried 1 1/16 miles, he won.

◗ In his latest start for trainer David Fawkes, he was unlucky to lose a first-level allowance race going 1 1/8 miles with Jilver Chamafi riding.

◗ He should get a cozy trip from the rail with Tyler Gaffalione picking up the mount.

Mr. Tickle, by Street Sense
Last 3 Beyers: 78-88-80

◗ Only two starts on turf, and the first time he raced over grass for trainer Steve Margolis, he earned an 88 Beyer Speed Figure for his win in a 1 1/16-mile, $17,500 claiming race at Fair Grounds on Jan. 29.

◗ In his second try, and his first for trainer Judy Behler, who claimed him out of his winning race, he got too far out of it after getting squeezed back early. He could be dangerous if he can stay within striking range.