Rhythmia comes off layoff for Friday feature

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. will have one of the key contenders in Friday’s co-featured ninth event, an allowance test for 3-year-olds and up carded at 1 1/16 miles on the turf, sending out Rhythmia in a race that lured a field of eight including Starship Aramis, the lone main-track-only entrant.

Rhythmia, a six-time winner in 24 starts, will switch to open company after defeating Florida-bred allowance opposition in his most recent start three months earlier. Rhythmia earned a career-best 85 Beyer Speed Figure.

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Flowmotion, with seven victories, has been idle since finishing third under similar conditions Aug. 9 at Monmouth Park. Flowmotion won a pair of turf races going a mile here last winter.

Myamanoi, fourth in the Dania Beach here in February, and New York-bred stakes winner Jolting Joe also demand respect in the wide-open race.

Two-year-olds also will be in the spotlight Friday, with six juveniles set to go six furlongs in the eighth race, a first-level allowance with a $75,000 claiming option. Paladio, with three wins in seven lifetime starts, heads a field that includes impressive maiden winner Warrior’s Pride and the stakes-tested Famous Gent. Carson City Kid, The Ice Beast, and Tiger complete the lineup.

◗ Coin the Phrase had the honor of winning the first race of the new meet on Wednesday, rallying from just off the pace going five furlongs on the turf. Paco Lopez was aboard Coin the Phrase, the 4-5 favorite, for trainer J. Kent Sweezey