Total Joint goes for two in row on Gulfstream turf

Total Joint took to turf like a duck to water when he tried grass for the first time in a first-level allowance race at Monmouth Park last September. He probably should have won the key one-mile race, but he was in tight at the eighth pole and lost by a nose.

The 5-year-old Florida-bred has also shown an affinity for the Gulfstream Park turf course and will be going for his second straight win over it in a $25,000 optional-claiming race that will serve as Wednesday’s feature.

Contention runs deep, however, in the 7 1/2-furlong race for 3-year-olds and up that drew seven horses.

Trained by Jason Servis, Total Joint has good tactical speed. In his first race over the Gulfstream turf course Feb. 1, he sat just off a quick pace, and after steadying sharply coming out of the second turn, he emerged with the lead at the eighth pole. He couldn’t hold off the late bid by Completely Bonkers in the one-mile race, however, and lost by a neck.

No mistakes were made in his win at the same level and distance March 22, and with a clean start from post 4, he should get a similar trip with Nik Juarez taking over the mount from Paco Lopez.

KEY CONTENDERS

Total Joint, by Tiz Wonderful
Last 3 Beyers: 80-84-71

◗ His only older sibling, Racetrack Romance, is a three-time winner on turf, so it isn’t surprising that Total Joint has become a solid horse on grass.

◗ He could be sitting on another big effort as he usually needs more time between races but goes here anyway off a decent interim work.

Favorite Heir, by Wildcat Heir
Last 3 Beyers: 84-82-71

◗ Trained by Lilli Kurtinecz, he will appreciate the class relief after finishing third to Grade 1 winner World Approval in the $100,000 Turf Classic for Florida-breds at Tampa Bay Downs on April 2.

◗ His previous race was a good one, too. He beat next-out winner Just Foolin Around while going a mile on turf in a $16,000 optional-claiming race for Florida-breds on March 5.

◗ He will break from post 6, with leading rider Tyler Gaffalione retaining the mount.

Modern Tale, by Modigliani
Last 3 Beyers: 86-84-67

◗ He has improved dramatically in his last two starts on turf for trainer Elizabeth Dobles and owns the best last-race Beyer Speed Figure.

Turncoat, by Notional
Last 3 Beyers: 84-81-78

◗ A deep closer trained by Keith Bourgeis, his strong late move came up just short when he finished third in a $30,000 starter optional-claiming race at Fair Grounds in his last start March 24.

◗ He will be rolling late, but there are no horses in the field who need the lead to run a big race, so the shape of the race might not work for him.