Stormin Charlotte hoping Thursday claimer stays on turf
Toss out Stormin Charlotte’s last-place finish on a sloppy track May 4, and she looks like the one to beat in a $12,500 optional-claiming race for Florida-bred fillies and mares at Gulfstream Park on Thursday. The 7 1/2-furlong sprint on turf drew eight horses and headlines an eight-race card that begins at 1:15 p.m. Eastern.
Stormin Charlotte didn’t handle the sloppy conditions in an optional $50,000 starter race that was washed off the turf May 4. She went into the race off back-to-back front-running wins on the Gulfstream turf course, however, and in her last four starts on grass, she hasn’t finished worse than second.
Trained by Michael Yates, Stormin Charlotte rebounded from her poor effort on the main track with a runner-up finish in a $30,000 claiming race going 7 1/2 furlongs over a turf course rated “good” on May 19. If she can come close to the 77 Beyer Speed Figure she received, she’s probably the winner Thursday.
She drew post 2, and apprentice Lane Luzzi likely will put her into the race right from the start.
Stormin Charlotte will need to avoid getting into an all-out duel with Red Aguia, who will be breaking from the outside post. If she can’t, Belladini will be sitting in a perfect spot to pick up the pieces.
Trained by Milton Wolfson, Belladini used her good tactical speed to win a $12,500 claiming race going the same distance in her last start May 15.
KEY CONTENDERS
Stormin Charlotte, by Bwana Charlie
Last 3 Beyers: 77-1-72
◗ The 4-year-old filly has been on a roll on the lawn since she came back from a 1 1/2-month break Dec. 13, and with a short run to the first turn, she could be tough to get past if she breaks alertly from her inside post.
Belladini, by Bandini
Last 3 Beyers: 73-65-75
◗ The homebred 5-year-old looked good winning when she went this distance for the first time in her last start and could get the perfect trip if they get carried away up front.
Nevelee, by Maimonides
Last 3 Beyers: 68-64-70
◗ Trained by Ronny Werner, she was the runner-up in a $30,000 claiming race for nonwinners of two May 12, and the third-place finisher won a $20,000 conditional-claiming race on turf at Monmouth Park in her next start last Saturday.
◗ She might want more distance, but she could be sitting on a big effort in the third start of her form cycle. In addition, she attracts Elvis Trujillo, who has won with two of his four mounts from Werner at Gulfstream this year.