Royal Habibi will end layoff in starter-allowance race

It is difficult to separate the eight 2-year-old fillies running in a $32,000 starter-allowance race for nonwinners of two that will serve as Thursday’s feature at Gulfstream Park.

The 5 1/2-furlong sprint goes as race 8 on a nine-race card that begins at noon Eastern.

The Antonio Sano-trained Royal Habibi was impressive winning her debut going five furlongs on June 28. With apprentice jockey Joseph Trejos riding, she broke okay and, after finding her stride, made a quick move to take control on the turn. She drew off to win the $25,000 maiden claimer by 8 1/4 lengths.

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The layoff is a concern, but it is encouraging to see Sano brings her back in a race in which she can’t be claimed. Plus, other than a two-week gap between Sept. 4 and Sept. 18, she has been working steadily since July 25.

She will break from post 7 with Trejos aboard.

Rock With Robin, fourth in the same race, was the runner-up to Hidden Dreams in a $16,000 maiden claimer in her next start on Aug. 16 and then romped by five lengths for the same price for trainer Kathleen O’Connell. She was claimed out of her winning race by Carlos David.

Rock With Robin is a half-sister to Grade 3-placed Coco’s Wildcat, who won the $77,000 Cassidy Stakes in her second start as a 2-year-old for O’Connell. The Florida-bred daughter of Vancouver will break from post 4 with Samy Camacho riding.

Following her 7 1/4-length romp over Rock With Robin, Hidden Dreams finished fourth at the same level and distance as this race on Sept. 4.

The Ralph Nicks-trained daughter of Khozan did not break that well, though. She could be dangerous if she leaves the starting gate running from the inside post with Emisael Jaramillo riding.

Little Nesso, third to Royal Habibi in her second start and first on dirt, will appreciate the class relief and the move back to dirt after finishing fifth going a mile on turf in the $75,000 Sharp Susan Stakes on Aug. 29.

Between the two races the Kentucky-bred daughter of Midshipman won a $25,000 maiden claimer on July 30 by six lengths for trainer Mauricio Fuentes. The 58 Beyer she received for her easy victory is the best figure in the field.

Dancing Crane, trained by Darien Rodriguez, is eligible to move forward after winning her debut for $16,000 on Sept. 5.

Darla, a rallying third in the same race Hidden Dreams exits, will have speed to run at. By Brethren out of Lava Girl, Darla is trained by Sandra Matier.