Starship Zorro stands out in Saturday feature
MIAMI – The old “horses for courses” axiom singles out Starship Zorro as the one to beat in Saturday’s $30,000 optional-claiming/allowance feature at Gulfstream Park West.
Starship Zorro already has won four times over the turf course at the track formerly known as Calder Race Course. That’s three more times than the rest of the field combined.
One of those victories came earlier in the meet, a convincing 3 1/4-length triumph over a pretty decent group of open $12,500 claiming rivals. He earned an 84 Beyer Speed Figure, easily the best posted on turf by any member of this lineup.
Key to the race may be the ability of Minute Madness to handle grass. Stakes-placed in his most recent try – he finished third behind the area’s top 3-year-old, Awesome Banner, in the Foolish Pleasure – Minute Madness not only switches to turf but also stretches out to two turns for the first time. His breeding for grass is somewhat suspect, being by Gone Astray and the first foal to race out of a mare who is by the above-average turf producer Stormy Atlantic.
Little Nick V. is interesting, having earned a career-best 78 Beyer Figure on Oct. 9, when finishing third going 7 1/2 furlongs under similar conditions here. A son of Colonel John, Little Nick V. has progressed gradually but steadily for trainer Carlo Vaccarezza since launching his career at 2. He could make another forward move in the third start of his form cycle.
Jojo’s Dream must improve from a Beyer standpoint, but he does bring a two-race win streak into the race. Sea Cookie is another exiting a career-best effort; he was narrowly defeated in his finale at Gulfstream Park four weeks ago.
Top Contenders
Starship Zorro, by Giant’s Causeway
Last 3 Beyers: 84-71-77
◗ He got back on the winning track after six straight losses when returning to his favorite course and teaming up for the first time with apprentice Lane Luzzi, who will be aboard again Saturday.
Minute Madness, by Gone Astray
Last 3 Beyers: 84-85-87
◗ While his ability to handle the surface change is a question, he does appear capable of controlling the pace while stretching out to this distance after having shown speed sprinting in most of his prior races.