Toasting Master makes comeback on full Super Bowl Sunday card
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – In case you need more wagering action than all the Super Bowl spreads and props can offer later in the day, Sunday at Gulfstream Park could be the spot for you.
A full-bore slate of 13 races starts at noon Eastern and will end about 30 minutes before kickoff, or just enough time to cash your many winning tickets and get settled at one of the numerous bars and restaurants on the Gulfstream campus.
“We’re inviting fans to spend the whole day with us, right through the game,” said Gulfstream general manager P.J. Campo.
Three open allowances, plus two more for Florida-breds, dot a six-hour program, with race 9 serving as the nominal feature. It’s a $46,000, second-level allowance that lured several interesting comebackers, including Toasting Master, who was last seen finishing sixth behind Frosted in the Wood Memorial in April. The 4-year-old colt is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds.
“We’ve always thought a great deal of him,” said Jeff Lifson of West Point. “He held his own at 2 and 3 with some really nice horses. Sunday is the first step back to what we hope is him competing again in races that have a name and not a condition.”
Toasting Master will have Corey Lanerie aboard when breaking from post 7 in a seven-furlong race that also has Chipit (post 6, Javier Castellano) and Three Alarm Fire (post 8, Joel Rosario) returning from layoffs.
The other Sunday allowances are slotted as races 5, 8, 11, and 12.
After Sunday, Gulfstream goes dark for two days before a six-day week commences Wednesday. There will be racing here next Monday, Feb. 15, because of the Presidents Day holiday.
KEY CONTENDERS
Toasting Master, by Congrats
Last 3 Beyers: 75-82-66
◗ This Congrats colt returned to the work tab for Dale Romans in late November at Churchill Downs and figures to show big speed from his outer post while trying to regain form.
Chipit, by Tapit
Last 3 Beyers: 78-86-71
◗ This highly regarded Tapit colt won his first two career starts for Todd Pletcher before going to the sidelines following a sixth-place finish in the Grade 3 Pegasus at Monmouth. He has had six works at Palm Beach Downs since late December.
Three Alarm Fire, by Pyro
Last 3 Beyers: 86-78-89
◗ This 5-year-old gelding with a triple-digit Beyer Speed Figure on his past performances will be equipped with blinkers for the first time when returning from a 10-month layoff with 10 works since mid-October for Tom Albertrani.