Sharp Azteca has edge in Sunday allowance

The recent maiden graduate Sharp Azteca has never faced winners, and a couple of the four rivals he faces in Sunday’s third race at Gulfstream Park, a $44,000, entry-level allowance at a mile on the main track, seem to have the speed to pressure him early.

However, those factors seem to be offset by a key advantage that Sharp Azteca possesses: talent. In winning a maiden race by four lengths Feb. 20, he ran a mile in 1:35.98, earning an 88 Beyer Speed Figure. And he managed that fine effort despite having early company.

Although that race was the best of his three-race career, it was not his only promising performance. When debuting Dec. 5 at Gulfstream, he finished second to eventual Fountain of Youth runner-up Zulu, beaten only two lengths.

Only a fifth-place finish in his second start, sandwiched between the two promising races, was mediocre.

Drawn outside Sunday, he appears to have a tactical advantage over the other speed horses – with jockey Edgard Zayas not having to rush his mount to gain position. Jorge Navarro trains Sharp Azteca, a 3-year-old colt by Freud, for Gelfenstein Farm.

Prospectus, who has a third and two back-to-back seconds in allowance races after winning a maiden race at first asking, appears to be the primary threat to Sharp Azteca, particularly if a fast pace unfolds. He appears likely to get a stalking trip under leading rider Javier Castellano.

Other entrants include Golden Ray, a three-time winner who races for a $75,000 claiming tag under the race’s optional claiming conditions, and Lazarus Project and Dunkirk’s Boy, winners of a starter allowance and a maiden race in their last starts, respectively.

Key Contenders

Prospectus, by Uncle Mo

Last 3 Beyers: 71-71-64

◗ Has finished second to quick stablemates from the Todd Pletcher barn in each of his two races this year, finishing 7 1/4 lengths behind Zulu on Jan. 15 and then 4 1/2 lengths behind Pinstripe on Feb. 26.

Dunkirk’s Boy, by Dunkirk

Beyer: 71

◗ Is wheeled back on short rest after winning his debut March 23, flashing speed after breaking a step slowly from the inside before pulling clear by 1 3/4 lengths.

Sharp Azteca, by Freud

Last 3 Beyers: 88-62-77

◗ In addition to what he has shown at the races, he was a flashy sales horse, bringing $220,000 at auction last April at OBS as a 2-year-old in training.