Tenango's last Beyer Speed Figure stands out

The best horse in Friday’s eighth race at Gulfstream Park, a $43,000, first-level allowance with a $16,000 claiming condition, isn’t much in doubt. It’s the 6-year-old Tenango, who in finishing second vs. similar competition Aug. 13 earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 93, which is 17 to 32 points higher than the last-race figures of his six rivals.

Whether he runs his best Friday is the more challenging question. Lightly raced over the past two years, Tenango was aggressively spotted by his prior connections in three starts this summer at Gulfstream Park, and he goes from a high-percentage stable into one with a lower rate of success after being claimed.

Now owned by Harvey Tenenbaum and trained by Luis Luna, Tenango is immediately back at the same level for which he was claimed: $16,000. Apprentice Carlos Hernandez rides.

Ranger in Paradise heads the opposition. He finished 1 1/2 lengths behind Tenango when third in the same race in which Tenango was the runner-up July 1. Ranger in Paradise returned on a fast track most recently July 28 and finished second, edging Rasta Rant – another starter in Friday’s eighth race – by a head for second.

Along with Rasta Rant, The Son Wind also looms a factor while going from turf to dirt after running a wide fourth in a five-furlong grass dash July 30.

Race 8

Key Contenders

Tenango, by Lion Heart

Last 3 Beyers: 93-75-80

◗ With earnings of $458,526, his bankroll exceeds the combined earnings of his foes.

◗ Hy Riverside, who beat him a length Aug. 11, came back to defeat second-level allowance competition by 4 1/4 lengths at Gulfstream on Aug. 25.

The Son Wind, by Roman Ruler

Last 3 Beyers: 70-69-65

◗ Is unraced on dirt since 2015, having made all four of his subsequent starts on grass, but was competitive in three of four races on dirt early in his career.

Ranger in Paradise, by U S Ranger

Last 3 Beyers: 76-71-50

◗ Has been a consistent performer in three starts on dirt, winning a maiden $50,000 race last year and running third and second in two allowance races in 2016.