Repeat of last puts J's Indian Charm in winner's circle

If J’s Indian Charm can run as well as she did in her blowout win in a $75,000 optional-claiming race at 5 1/2 furlongs at Tampa Bay Downs in her last start, she will win the $50,000 starter optional-claiming race that serves as the featured race at Gulfstream Park on Thursday.

Considering that J’s Indian Charm had never come close to the 80 Beyer Speed Figure she earned for her 8 1/2-length romp in her last start, there is a good chance she will regress Thursday. If she does, the six-furlong dash for 3-year-old fillies, which drew five horses, becomes a wide-open event.

Going into her dramatically improved performance in Tampa, J’s Indian Charm had a single win in her first four starts, and it came when she debuted on Tapeta at Presque Isle Downs last August. Similar to her latest win, she broke on top and controlled the five-furlong maiden special weight race from start to finish.

In all of her races, including her race two back, where she tried turf and going a middle distance for the first time, she held the lead after the first call.

If she can clear early after breaking from the inside post with usual rider Ronnie Allen Jr. aboard, she could be gone.

KEY CONTENDERS

J’s Indian Charm, by Adios Charlie

Last 3 Beyers: 80-53-36

◗ Once again, she looks like the speed of the speed. Catch her if you can.

Rich Mommy, by Algorithms

Last 3 Beyers: 71-61-56

◗ Trained by Victor Barboza, she hasn’t been worse than third in three starts. She has increased her Beyers in each start and probably hasn’t reached her peak.

◗ She’s versatile and could get a nice trip stalking J’s Indian Charm and possibly Stormy Embrace.

◗ She drew post 3 and will be ridden by Emisael Jaramillo. Edgard Zayas rode her in all of her previous races.

Faith N Hope, by Overdriven

Last 3 Beyers: 70-70-66

◗ The Luis Olivares trainee broke well enough but couldn’t keep up with the fast pace in the same race that Rich Mommy exits. At least she didn’t give up, and she did rally late to finish a head behind Rich Mommy.

◗ The most experienced horse in the field with 11 starts, she breaks from post 4 and is reunited with Zayas, who was aboard for her only win.

Stormy Embrace, by Circular Quay

Last 3 Beyers: 60-37-61

◗ She was making her first start this year when she finished a distant second as the favorite to J’s Indian Charm.

◗ Trained by Kathleen O’Connell, the stakes-placed filly should move forward with a race behind her, and she won’t mind being back at Gulfstream, where she had raced exclusively prior to her latest start.

Truge, by Dialed In

Last 3 Beyers: 65-66-66

◗ Trained by Antonio Sano, she’s consistent and will try to make amends for her flop as the chalk in the same race that Rich Mommy and Faith N Hope exit.