Squeezadios sharp and on outside in feature

Squeezadios will have a handful of key variables in his favor Saturday, when he takes on stakes winners Harvey Wallbanger and Quenane in the featured 10th race at Gulfstream Park.

The horses meet in a second-level allowance that carries an optional claiming price of $62,500. It will be run at a mile, around one turn.

Squeezadios will break from post 7 in the field of eight, and the outside draw should serve him well, according to his trainer, Terri Pompay. In his last start, Squeezadios broke from the inside and ran third by a half-length at this same level July 1 at Gulfstream.

“It’s a better post,” Pompay said of the draw for Saturday. “He’d rather not be inside. He’s got a big, long stride and would rather not be in on the rail so much.”

Pompay added that the outside draw might give jockey Miguel Vasquez more options Saturday.

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“You’re not forced into something,” she said.

Squeezadios, who races for his breeder, My Purple Haze Stables, has tactical speed and could get an ideal trip Saturday.

“I think the race has a good chance to set up for him,” Pompay said. “There’s some speed, a couple of speed horses, and he can sit right off of them.”

Squeezadios has another variable in his favor – a strong work tab. His most recent drill was a bullet five-eighths in 59 seconds on Aug. 8 at Gulfstream.

“He’s been training great,” Pompay said. “His last breeze, it was fast and he did it easy.”

Squeezadios also boasts an excellent record over the Gulfstream main track. He’s made 17 starts over the strip and has run first, second, or third on 14 occasions. Back in January, Squeezadios was a close third in the $200,000 Sunshine Millions Classic and before that won at this one-turn mile configuration at Gulfstream.

Squeezadios also owns the field’s co-highest last-race Beyer Speed Figure. He shares the distinction with I’m a G Six.

Harvey Wallbanger, winner of last year’s Holy Bull at Gulfstream, makes his second start since March. Quenane won the Rough and Ready in February at Gulfstream.

Also in the field is Examiner, a speed horse who breaks from post 5 and who is making his first start since May. Flashy Kyem, who starts from post 6, is picking up more ground off a runner-up finish at six furlongs July 18 at Gulfstream.

Mi Tres Por Ciento will get good support for the trainer-jockey team of Mike Maker and Edgard Zayas.