Talent for sale in Sunday turf sprint

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – High Hours is in Sunday at Gulfstream Park, but don’t go asking his trainer, Ralph Nicks, too many probing questions.

“He’s in for a tag, you know,” said Nicks.

In fact, half of the eight-horse field in the nominal Sunday feature is eligible to be haltered on an afternoon when the Gulfstream claims clerk will be on duty for every race except two maiden special weight events on a 12-race card.

High Hours, an 8-year-old Brazilian-bred coming off a nose defeat at this same level, figures among the favorites in what shapes up as a competitive race-11 feature, a five-furlong turf dash that combines a first-level allowance condition with a $25,000 claiming option.

“Basically, it’s been hard to put a lot of races together for him,” said Nicks.

“He’s always been cut out to be a nice horse, but, yeah,” said Nicks, adding with a laugh, “we’ll be leading him over in front wraps.”

Mr French and No Regrets, along with another horse in for the optional tag, I’m Cardinal, are among the other major players in the feature, which is part of a Rainbow 6 sequence that spans races 7-12.

First post Sunday is noon Eastern. Racing also will be held here Monday because of the Presidents Day holiday, leaving Tuesday as the only dark day during a 12-day span (Feb. 13-24).

KEY CONTENDERS

High Hours, by Put It Back
Last 3 Beyers: 82-75-81

◗ Beaten just a neck in a Group 1 in his Brazilian homeland in 2016, he has gone winless in six starts since being imported by Team Valor International, with his just-miss last out being the closest he’s come to the winner’s circle.

Mr French, by Mr. Sidney
Last 3 Beyers: 91-81-78

◗ This British-bred gelding competed for as little as an $8,000 tag in recent months but now puts a four-race win streak on the line.

◗ He is trained by Marcial Navarro, the brother of the meet’s leading trainer, Jorge Navarro.

No Regrets, by Lemon Drop Kid
Last 3 Beyers: 80-79-84

◗ He has spent most of his 13-race career in the claiming or starter ranks, displaying a high turn of foot in most instances.

◗ His most recent start here Jan. 30 followed a layoff of nearly four months and figures as a useful tightener toward this.

I’m Cardinal, by Greatness
Last 3 Beyers: 82-80-45

◗ Entered off a victory over fellow Florida-breds, this gray 9-year-old gelding will be setting sail from the outside post and looks to improve on his turf record of 3 for 6.