Varsity returns from 10-month layoff in turf-sprint feature

It’s been nearly two years since Varsity last won a race, but leave it to Christophe Clement to put a stop to that.

Clement, who has a three-minute video on YouTube celebrating his stable’s 2014 success, recently posted a short Twitter video of Varsity rollicking in a round pen at Payson Park, suggesting the 7-year-old gelding is primed for more serious endeavors.

A six-time winner from 17 starts, Varsity will return after a layoff of nearly 10 months in the Sunday feature at Gulfstream Park, a $42,000 allowance with wide-open conditions. Following a series of sharp works at Payson, he will be resuming a career in which he once was a major force in the turf-sprint niche.

Regular rider Joe Bravo has the call on Varsity, who will break from post 5 in a field of 10 3-year-olds and upward in the ninth of 10 Sunday races. One additional horse was entered as a main-track-only starter. First post is 12:35 p.m. Eastern, with the feature going at 4:27.

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One other allowance (race 6) also is carded for Sunday. It’s a $38,000 second-level allowance with a $62,500 claiming option in which the newly acquired Race Day will make his first start for Todd Pletcher against nine others at a one-turn mile.

After Sunday, Gulfstream goes dark Monday before reopening for live action Tuesday. The south Florida track goes dark again Wednesday and Thursday for the Christmas holidays.

KEY CONTENDERS

Varsity (Last 3 Beyers: 92-92-62)

◗ Yes, it was a long time ago when he won 4 of 5 high-end turf sprints, but Clement certainly has a way with his type.

◗ Bred and owned by Bert and Diana Firestone, this son of Indian Charlie seems to prefer a firm surface and a fast pace to chase, both of which he’s likely to get here.

Amelia’s Wild Ride (Last 3 Beyers: 71-88-63)

◗ The only 3-year-old in the lineup, he’ll be a factor out front with Jose Lezcano up.

◗ He owns a 2-for-3 record on grass, and given careful rating he stands to fare better than in the recent Canterbury Stakes on the Dec. 6 Claiming Crown card, when he set an absurd opening fraction of 21.10 seconds.

Bold Thunder (Last 3 Beyers: 94-81-93)

◗ With two wins and a second over the local turf course, this 4-year-old colt has developed into a consistent player in these types of races.

◗ His recent bullet workout suggests he’s eager to return from a 12-week layoff, and there’s little doubt he’ll be prominent once they straighten away.

Great Attack (Last 3 Beyers: 63-80-91)

◗ His recent form isn’t all that great, but he does have a few things going for him: his back class ($617,455 in earnings), his high-percentage connections (Javier Castellano and David Jacobson), and the likelihood of a no-excuse stalk-and-see trip from an outside post.