Russian Greek looks tough in Sunday's feature

Russian Greek, exiting his best effort of the year, is likely the one to beat in Sunday’s $34,000 feature, a first-level optional $16,000 claimer at one mile over the main track at Gulfstream Park West.

Russian Greek led throughout to dominate similar company here 18 days ago while earning an 89 Beyer Speed Figure. He remains eligible for the same condition returning under a $16,000 claiming tag on Sunday for trainer Efrain Loza Jr.

Among those likely to provide Russian Greek with his chief competition is Minute Madness, who returns to the main track after finishing sixth making his turf debut against statebred company on Oct. 22. Minute Madness finished third behind the odds-on Awesome Banner in the restricted Foolish Pleasure Stakes three weeks ago over the main track at Gulfstream Park.

Meet ends next Sunday

Gulfstream Park West will be dark from Monday through Thursday (Thanksgiving) this coming week, with the 37-day session (shortened three days due to Hurricane Matthew) coming to a close with racing Friday-Sunday. There will then be a break of five days on the local schedule before the 2016-17 Gulfstream Park championship meeting begins on Dec. 3 with the Claiming Crown.