We're All Set looks ready to run another big one
Few horses on Sunday’s Easter card at Gulfstream Park appear to be as aptly named as We’re All Set in the eighth race.
The race, a first-level allowance at seven furlongs on the main track, sets up favorably for We’re All Set. He won at the distance two starts ago against Florida-breds, a race that doesn’t count under Sunday’s race conditions, and he just finished second Feb. 20 at this class level. He earned an 87 Beyer Speed Figure, the top figure among Sunday’s seven entrants.
He also makes the third start off a layoff, sometimes the peak race of a horse’s form cycle, while three rivals, including chief adversary Fair Advantage, haven’t raced for months.
A 5-year-old gelding, We’re All Set is owned by Brett Brookman, Norman Rader, and David Lengel. He is trained by Peter Walder, for whom he has compiled a 3-for-6 record since being claimed for $30,000 a little more than a year ago. Edgard Zayas rides.
Fair Advantage, unraced since Nov. 27, has the potential to challenge if he is ready off the bench. Last out, he turned in the best effort of his 13-race career when third in a fast allowance sprint at Churchill Downs. He ships into Gulfstream from his base at Payson Park, which was under quarantine for much of this month after a horse there tested positive for the equine herpesvirus March 1.
Key contenders
We’re All Set, by With Distinction
Last 3 Beyers: 87-73-84
◗ Gave the heavily favored Deep Sea a scare Feb. 20, surging to the lead in midstretch and falling only a half-length short in a seven-furlong race timed in a swift 1:22.59.
King Rontos, by Unbridled’s Song
Last 3 Beyers: 61-74-77
◗ Went to the sidelines after fading to seventh in a one-mile allowance race at Gulfstream on Oct. 2 and should appreciate a cutback in distance to seven furlongs if fit for his return.
◗ He was third in the Tremont as a 2-year-old in 2014.
◗ His better races have come when racing from 5 1/2 to seven furlongs.
Fair Advantage, by Bernardini
Last 3 Beyers: 86-67-76
◗ Exits what seems to be the strongest allowance of any horse in the race. The winner, Union Jackson, won a second-level allowance at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 26 with a 95 Beyer two starts later.