Snow Trouble could move forward with clean break
If Snow Trouble didn’t have a bad habit of giving his opponents a head start leaving the starting gate, he would not be eligible for the first-level allowance race for which he likely will be favored on Sunday at Gulfstream Park West. The 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up on turf drew seven horses and goes as race 9 on a 10-race card that begins at 12:35 p.m. Eastern.
Making his first start in North America for trainer Todd Pletcher, Snow Trouble spotted the field a couple of lengths in a first-level allowance race at Gulfstream Park West on Oct. 10. After trailing early, he made a strong late move while going six wide in the one-mile turf race. He ended up finishing fourth but only lost by 1 1/4 lengths. He was moved up to third when the winner, Metaphorically, was disqualified back to fifth for causing interference in the stretch.
In the comment section of Snow Trouble’s past-performance lines, it says he “dwelt” in two of his last three starts in England. “Dwelt” has a slightly harsher meaning in North America, but it is safe to say that he didn’t exactly leave there running.
It is also safe to assume that Pletcher has spent some time working with Snow Trouble at the starting gate. If he does break with the field, he could be a handful with Edgard Zayas retaining the mount.
Sublime Appeal won’t be nearly the price he was when he won his second start going 7 1/2 furlongs on turf at Gulfstream on Sept. 25. Trained by Juan Rizo, Sublime Appeal was eased when he debuted in a one-mile maiden special weight race on the main track at Gulfstream on July 17. Not surprisingly, in his second start at the same level at Gulfstream on Sept. 25, he was ignored in the wagering. Showing an affinity for turf, he romped by 6 1/4 lengths, and his few backers were rewarded with a $90.60 win price.
KEY CONTENDERS
Snow Trouble (Beyer: 79)
◗ The 4-year-old son of Tapit figures to move forward in his second U.S. start and probably just needs to break with the field to notch his second win.
Sublime Appeal (Beyers: 84-8)
◗ The 84 Beyer Speed Figure he earned for his easy win in a race that has produced three next-out winners is the best last-race figure in the field.