Trip Notes for Dec. 22: Mr. Prospector

Gulfstream
Mr. Prospector (race 10)

COMMENT: Coal Front looked like a real comer in 2017, winning four of five including a Grade 2 and Grade 3. Alas, an injury sidelined him for more than 13 months and when he came back in Aqueduct’s Grade 3 Bold Ruler on Nov. 2 he got into a duel from his rail slot and paid the price. There was no such disappointment this time as the son of Grade 1 winner Stay Thirsty, with that race under his belt and a move to a far outside draw, got back on track with an impressive performance. From the far outside slot, he was content to sit just off the pace as Kroy set a solid pace under pressure, remained there while widest of all to the far turn, started to advance with Wild Shot to his inside, moved up to challenge Kroy into the lane, had that tiring runner lug out some into the lane and lean on him but quicky moved past that foe and surged clear to win smartly. Trainer Todd Pletcher said a stretch-out might be in the cards for his next start. Maybe something like the Grade 3 Fred Hooper at a mile here Jan. 26 is an option. Storm Advisory, a strong winner of two straight this fall before finding the waters of the Grade 1 Clark Handicap too deep, bided his time early while saving ground, advanced smartly up the rail on the far turn, continued his run into the lane to briefly challenge for the lead, then could not finish with the winner but kept on well for second. Heartwood sat midpack toward the inside, moved up eagerly going to the far turn to be just behind the pacesetter, took up some and suddenly lost position, came off the fence for room, was asked for run on the turn into the lane and came with a decent run between horses to get third. Uno Mas Modelo broke well but was content to be taken back, remained there to the far turn, was asked for run when Storm Advisory moved sharply to his inside, swung out for room, improved his position but was never really able to threaten.