Short price on Basha again in Thursday feature
Basha was sent off as the 9-5 favorite when he made his debut for trainer Gilberto Zerpa in a maiden special weight race for 2-year-olds at Gulfstream Park on Sept. 11. Considering the manner in which he won the 5 1/2-furlong dash, he could be a shorter price in a $75,000 optional claimer that will serve as the featured race at Gulfstream Park West on Thursday.
The seven-furlong dash for 2-year-olds drew seven horses and goes as race 7 on the nine-race card that begins at 1:15 p.m. Eastern.
With Emisael Jaramillo aboard in his debut, Basha stalked the pace, and after taking over the lead turning for home, he drew off to win by 7 3/4 lengths. The 75 Beyer Speed Figure he received is easily the best in this field, and he raced a bit greenly in the stretch, so there is plenty of room for improvement.
A $230,000 purchase in March at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. auction of 2-year-olds in training, Basha should improve when he stretches out to longer distances. He is the second foal out of Lemonette, who won a minor stakes going 1 1/2 miles on turf and was the runner-up in the Grade 3 Long Island Handicap going the same distance over yielding turf at Aqueduct. His only sibling is the 5-year-old Thats It Imleaving, who has won four races, two coming in dirt routes at Evangeline Downs.
Zerpa thinks Basha has a bright future.
“He’s a machine,” Zerpa said. “He enjoys what he does, and he does it naturally. He’s still green, so he should get better. If he runs well Thursday, his next start will be in a stakes race.”
Basha drew post 2 with Jaramillo retaining the mount.
KEY CONTENDERS
Basha, by Uncle Mo
Beyer: 75
◗ He was very impressive in winning his debut, and with two bullet five-furlong interim works, he appears primed for another strong effort.
Red Crescent, by Overdriven
Last 3 Beyers: 64-62-29
◗ Trained by Manual Estevez, he looked good in winning his second start, and after dueling early, he held on well to finish second behind the even-money favorite, Francesco Appeal, in a $75,000 optional-claiming race going six furlongs in his first try with winners Sept. 18.
Two Steps Before, by Two Step Salsa
Beyer: 68
◗ He owns the second-best Beyer in this field, and with just one race behind him, he is certainly eligible to improve for trainer Juan Rodriguez.
Chatiment, by Divine Park
Last 3 Beyers: 66-56-46
◗ He came from a stalking position to finish second at this level Aug. 19 and could be heard from late while making his first start for trainer Cecil Paul.