Statebred feature up for grabs
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – A restricted allowance that drew 11 Florida-bred fillies and mares anchors the Thursday card at Gulfstream Park, where St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated with nine races (although there’s no word yet regarding green beer).
With the morning line showing Causinghullbaloo (4-1) and My Sunny Valentine (9-2) as lukewarm favorites, the nominal feature (race 8) shapes up as extremely well-matched. The $54,000, first-level race is scheduled for a mile on the grass, although a 50 percent chance of rain in the local forecast for both Wednesday and Thursday means it’s possible turf racing may have to move to the Tapeta if deemed necessary by management. Races 3 and 5 also are slated for turf.
The feature is part of the 20-cent Rainbow 6 (races 4-9), which started with an empty jackpot Wednesday after a solo winning ticket hit Sunday for $342,846.
Three sprint stakes on tap
A trio of $100,000 sprints will highlight the coming weekend at Gulfstream when the Hutcheson, Any Limit, and Silks Run all are run here Saturday.
The Hutcheson and its filly counterpart, the Any Limit, both go at six furlongs on the main track, while the Silks Run is for older horses at five furlongs on turf. My Prankster, winner of the Grade 3 Swale last month at even money for Todd Pletcher, is foremost among 15 Hutcheson nominees.
Florida Derby Day (April 2) is the last remaining major date at the four-month championship meet.