Truge looks tough in first-level allowance
Horse for the course Truge will try for her second straight win when she runs in a first-level allowance Thursday at Gulfstream Park West. There is a $16,000 claiming option attached to the conditions of the 6 1/2-furlong dash for fillies and mares, but none of the eight horses entered is eligible to be claimed.
Last time out, with Luca Panici riding for trainer Leo Gabriel, Truge saved ground early, got through along the rail at the top of the stretch, and drew off to beat next-out winner Working Carol K by 2 1/4 lengths going six furlongs in a $40,000 conditional claiming race on Oct. 11. In her only other start at Gulfstream Park West, she took them all the way when she debuted in a $50,000 maiden claiming race on Oct. 16, 2016.
Acting on behalf of Diamond Racing and Jay and Joan Jannsen, Gabriel claimed the 3-year-old Kentucky-bred for $30,000 on May 25. In her first start for her new connections, she finished seventh when trying turf for the first time. However, she has been a gem of consistency since, winning twice and finishing third three times in five starts.
She drew post 5 with Panici retaining the mount.
KEY CONTENDERS
Truge, by Dialed In
Last 3 Beyers: 72-70-67
◗ The half-sister to Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap winner Celtic New Year owns the best last-race Beyer Speed Figure, and with enough potential speed in the field, the race should set up for her.
Crowning Affair, by Giant’s Causeway
Last 3 Beyers: 48-75-67
◗ The Ralph Nicks trainee has been freshened since she finished sixth as the 9-5 favorite in a one-mile first-level allowance race with a $25,000 claiming option at Gulfstream on April 29.
◗ She can fire fresh, and considering her lone win came going seven furlongs in a maiden special weight race at Gulfstream, she won’t mind the move back to a sprint.
◗ This will be her first start on a track some horses thrive on, while others have a hard time handling.
◗ She has tactical speed and should get a nice trip from a forward position with Emisael Jaramillo riding. Through Sunday, Jaramillo was tied with Edgard Zayas for the top spot in the jockey standings with 24 wins.
Doritza, by Mineshaft
Last 3 Beyers: 62-61-59
◗ Trained by Oscar Gonzalez, she was coming off a two-month layoff when she won a maiden special weight race on Oct. 6 in her first start over this surface.
◗ The first foal out of the stakes winner Pinch Pie, who finished third in the Grade 1 Alabama, she is eligible to take a step forward in her second start back with Jose Batista riding again.