Solid field in the works for Gulfstream Park Handicap

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – A stellar field is lining up for the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Handicap on March 7. Trainers Shug McGaughey and Jimmy Jerkens confirmed last weekend that both Honor Code and Wicked Strong are pointing for the one-mile fixture. So too is Private Zone, a five-length winner of the Cigar Mile in his last start, and Valid, the game winner of the Grade 3 Fred W. Hooper Stakes at a mile here earlier this month.

Twenty-six horses were nominated for the Gulfstream Park Handicap, including potential starters Race Day and Transparent. Among the notable names absent from the list was Liam’s Map, who was sent to the farm in Ocala, Fla., shortly after his last work at Palm Beach Downs on Feb. 1.

“He’s been with Jim Crupi in Ocala, who told me he went back in training on Sunday,” said trainer Todd Pletcher. “We’re probably looking at getting him back to the races again at Belmont.”