War Office could be tough in U.S. debut
Considering trainer Christophe Clement’s excellent record with horses making their first start in North America, War Office could be tough to handle in a $25,000 optional-claiming race Friday at Gulfstream Park.
The 7 1/2-furlong race for fillies and mares drew seven horses and goes as race 6 on an eight-race card that begins at 1 p.m. Eastern.
War Office is looking for her first win since she won her debut going 7 1/2 furlongs on Polytrack at Deauville on March 1, 2014. Since then, she mostly has raced on turf, with her best result a second-place finish in an allowance race last May at Longchamp. In her most recent race, the 4-year-old daughter of War Front led early but had to settle for third in an allowance Oct. 7 at Le Bouscat. In most of her six races in France, she was prominent during the early stages.
She is the first foal out of Storybrook, who won a couple of races in Britain before coming to the U.S., where she won her second start on the turf course at Keeneland.
We know War Office can fire fresh, and she shows a solid set of works at Payson Park. She drew the rail, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Eddie Castro put her into the race early.
Key contenders
War Office (No Beyers)
* She might like the firmer courses in North America and could improve as a first-time Lasix user for Clement, who, according to DRF Formulator, has won with 22 percent of his starters running on Lasix for the first time over the past five years.
Vipera (Last 3 Beyers: 68-82-75)
* She won three of her last five starts and may have bounced in her latest after posting a career-best Beyer Speed Figure in her previous start. The 82 Beyer she received two back is the best figure in this field, and she could be very dangerous if she can bounce back for trainer Jane Cibelli.
Wild About Jass (Last 3 Beyers: 79-50-74)
* Trained by David Braddy, she has been off for close to two months but looked good in winning a $20,000 claiming race going 7 1/2 furlongs on turf March 22. She earned a career-best 79 Beyer, came back with a solid five-furlong work April 16, and is eligible to move forward in her second start back.