Toh’s Grey Cat towers over allowance field

By most established handicapping criteria, Toh’s Grey Cat seems like a standout in the fourth race Friday at Gulfstream Park, a $36,000 starter allowance with a $50,000 claiming option going a mile on the main track that serves as the nominal feature. He is in top form, having run first or second in five straight races at Gulfstream; he has run Beyer Speed Figures of between 82 and 86 over that stretch, higher than the career-best figures of his six rivals; and he has won 10 races, which matches the combined total of his opponents.

Add that all up, and he is a high-probability winner for trainer Peter Walder, owners Mack Marshal and Aventura Stable, and apprentice jockey Tyler Gaffalione.

The only thing Toh’s Grey Cat is unlikely to offer is betting value. He won his last race, a $30,000 claiming race June 21, at odds of 1-2, and he figures to be shorter than even-money again Friday against a soft field for the class level.

KEY CONTENDERS

Big Awesome (Last 2 Beyers: 22-67)

After winning first out by 9 1/4 lengths against straight maidens April 24 at Tampa Bay Downs, he was ambitiously placed in the Big Cypress Handicap at Gulfstream on June 7 and faded to sixth, beaten more than 32 lengths. He is one of three entrants racing for a $50,000 claiming price.

Aces for John (Last 3 Beyers: 77-76-61)

He stretches out to a mile, the distance over which he recorded his lone victory in 10 starts, in the third start of his form cycle. Since returning from a short layoff June 27, he has twice run second in allowance races, once in the slop and another when racing on a fast track.

Rich Daddy (Last 3 Beyers: 73-76-80)

Although more accustomed to racing on turf and synthetic tracks, he has a fine record of two wins and a third in three starts on dirt, with all three starts coming locally. Eighth last out on grass after a tardy start, he could prove a threat with an alert break.

Toh’s Grey Cat (Last 3 Beyers: 82-82-82)

He has shown an affinity for racing at Gulfstream, with five wins, five seconds and a third in 15 starts on its main track. One of his few poor efforts came when he last caught an off track at Gulfstream, finishing fifth in the slop January 2014 – a potential weakness to consider if a summer rainstorm results in a wet track Friday.