Victory Mast a likely winner
Victory Mast figures to be a short price when he runs in a $16,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds and up at Gulfstream Park on Wednesday. The 1 1/16-mile turf race, restricted to horses who have never won two races, kicks off the eight-race card that begins at 1 p.m. Eastern.
Trained by Norman Pointer, Victory Mast was favored in his last two starts, both at Gulfstream. The first time, he got the job done, winning a one-mile, $20,000 maiden-claiming race on the turf for trainer Joseph Catanese on March 11.
Pointer claimed Victory Mast out of the race for owner Dennis Behrmann. Victory Mast shortened up to a sprint when Pointer brought him back going 7 1/2 furlongs in a $20,000 nonwinners-of-two April 3.
Sent off at 9-5, Victory Mast had a perfect trip while finishing third behind All Cash and British Glory. With Ramsey Zimmerman aboard, he broke alertly from the rail and looked comfortable when he was eased back to midpack while saving ground around both turns. He finished full of run when Zimmerman moved him off the rail at the top of the stretch, but he came up three-quarters of a length short.
He drew post 7 on Wednesday, with Zimmerman retaining the mount.
The main threat could come from Sammy Maudlin, who has improved substantially in his last three starts for trainer Tino Attard.
KEY CONTENDERS
Victory Mast (Last 3 Beyers: 72-75-64)
◗ He has tactical speed and should get a nice trip stalking what figures to be a moderate pace. He also won’t mind stretching out to a middle distance.
◗ According DRF Formulator, over the past five years, Pointer has a respectable 17 percent strike rate with horses going from a route to a sprint.
Sammy Maudlin (Last 3 Beyers: 68-68-62)
◗ It is interesting to see the blinkers go back on following three improved performances after they came off. The 6-year-old came from well back in all three races, however, and it is possible that the equipment change will help Eddie Castro get him into the race earlier.
Suwannee Son (Last 3 Beyers: 60-40-48)
◗ With only five starts behind him, he could have more upside than his more experienced rivals.
◗ Acting on behalf of Ken and Sarah Ramsey, trainer Mike Maker claimed him for $20,000 on Feb. 13. In his first start for his new connections, he won a $16,000 maiden-claiming race April 3.