Secret Sultan a course specialist

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Secret Sultan takes another crack at his favorite track Tuesday afternoon in the $38,000 second-level allowance feature at the Meadowlands.

The 5-year-old gelding is unbeaten in two starts at the Meadowlands but is 1 for 19 elsewhere.

Secret Sultan faces six rivals in the 1 1/16-mile race as he bids for a second straight victory here for owner-trainer Amy Tarrant.

Facing claimers on Sept. 21, Secret Sultan was greatly aided by a fast pace. After falling 13 lengths behind, Secret Sultan unleashed a strong, sweeping rally that produced a 5 1/4-length win.

Horses don't often make up that much ground at the speed-favoring Big M.

"The last race set up for him

perfectly," Tarrant said. "He does love that track. It was a great race with him sweeping the field. He's feeling really good and we're hoping for a repeat."

Tarrant is winding down her season in New Jersey. Her horses ship to Florida on Oct. 29, and Tarrant would love to nab a couple of more victories before breaking camp.

"My days are numbered here," Tarrant said. "I'm trying to get some wins under my belt before we leave here."

Mario Madrid, who recently lost his five-pound apprentice allowance, has the return call.

There could be enough pace in the race to set up for a closer. Gorgie G., Proprietary, and Tiger D.R. all figure to be forwardly placed.

Proprietary is moving turf-to-dirt. He made his grass debut last time out and was forced to steady on the second turn. The 3-year-old colt finished last, but his prior dirt form makes him a contender.

Proprietary won his maiden at Delaware Park on June 18 and stepped right up to win a first-level allowance on July 11 at Monmouth.

His first second-level allowance shot came in early August at Philadelphia Park, where he ran third after being pinched back on the far turn.

Chuck Lopez, who was aboard for the Monmouth win, reunites with the colt, who is trained by Alan Goldberg.

Tiger D.R. beat Secret Sultan two starts back, posting a pacesetting win in a claimer in the slop at Monmouth. In his latest effort, Tiger D.R. set the pace in a second-level allowance at the Meadowlands before finishing fifth.

Alan Garcia will again ride for trainer Jim Ryerson.

Completing the field are Crusader Rabbit, Four Shore, and Friar, who makes his second main-track start.