Rispoli sticks with Aire Bueno in turf feature
Contention runs deep in a second-level optional $62,500 claiming race that headlines the eight-race card at Gulfstream Park on Thursday. The 1 1/16-mile race on turf attracted nine horses, and if jockey Matthew Rispoli made the right choice, Aire Bueno could complete a hat trick.
Rispoli was aboard Aire Bueno when he won a one-mile race on turf at this level for trainer Charles Simon on May 14. He also steered Indian Guide to a 4 1/4-length romp over Amigo in an optional $25,000 claiming race going 1 1/16 miles on turf May 29. It was Indian Guide’s first start for trainer Angel Rodriguez.
Rispoli sticks with Aire Bueno, who also won a $30,000 conditional-claiming race by a neck April 20. It was his first win in North America. Bred in Chile, his previous nine wins came in his home country.
Cornelio Velasquez picks up the mount on Indian Guide.
Indian Guide has won four of his last five starts, and the 93 Beyer Speed Figure he earned for his recent win is the best last-race figure in this field. His only loss in the streak was a third-place finish behind next-out winner Aripeka in a key optional $25,000 claiming race on April 2.
Race 7
KEY CONTENDERS
Aire Bueno, by Ivan Denisovich
Last 3 Beyers: 88-87-81
◗ He is trending in the right direction and should get a nice trip stalking suspect speed.
Indian Guide, by Cowboy Cal
Last 3 Beyers: 93-83-84
◗ He has been on a roll lately and is coming off a career-best performance in his first start for Rodriguez.
Copingaway, by Brother Derek
Last 3 Beyers: 53-71-87
◗ The 87 Beyer that this Jaime Mejia trainee earned for his win in the $75,000 English Channel for 3-year-olds on May 7 puts him in the mix. It is easy to toss out his latest start in the $75,000 Gleaming, where the 1 1/2-mile distance was beyond his reach.
Grand Isle, by Grand Slam
Last 3 Beyers: 85-83-78
◗ The consistent 5-year-old trained by Leo Gabriel rallied to win his last two starts, at Fair Grounds on March 6 and at Gulfstream on May 11. With the speedy My Cowboy in the race, he should have an honest pace to set him up.
Diamond Bachelor, by War Front
Last 3 Beyers: 72-67-86
◗ Blinkers come off the only horse in the field with a triple-digit Beyer, which he earned in the Grade 2 San Marcos at Santa Anita last year. Trained by Patrick Biancone, he is looking for his first win since taking the $100,000 Oak Tree Juvenile Turf at Del Mar in 2013.