While Ye May tough to beat with a good break
Returning from a layoff of more than six months on Aug. 25 at Gulfstream Park, While Ye May ran well in the five-furlong turf race, finishing fourth, beaten a neck in a blanket finish. While Ye May lost the race at the start. He was away two to three lengths behind the rest of the field, which left him with too much to do in such a short race.
While Ye May looks poised to make amends Friday at Gulfstream in a similar race, a $43,000, first-level allowance with a $35,000 claiming condition at five furlongs on the grass. None of the three horses who narrowly finished in front of him last time out is in this field, and he has every right to improve following his comeback.
He broke well in his three starts that preceded his Aug. 25 race, winning a turf sprint at first asking at Gulfstream Park West last year on Nov. 28, returning with a fourth behind Awesome Banner in the Grade 3 Hutcheson on dirt at Gulfstream on Jan. 2, and finishing second in a 7 1/2-furlong grass allowance at Gulfstream on Feb. 6.
Roberto Alvarado Jr. rides While Ye May, a 3-year-old gelded son of Pioneerof the Nile owned by PTK LLC and trained by Dane Kobiskie.
Among his six rivals, his greatest threat appears to be Moonwalker, who won a five-furlong optional claimer on turf at Gulfstream two starts ago on July 9 before finishing second in a similar race July 30. He is one of three horses in the field racing for a $35,000 claiming tag.
Key Contenders
While Ye May, by Pioneerof the Nile
Last 3 Beyers: 75-80-74
◗ He appeared to flatten out a bit late in his Aug. 25 return after making a menacing, wide bid in midstretch. He was trying to do something to which he was unaccustomed: rally from last. He typically races within a length or two of the pace.
Moonwalker, by Congrats
Last 3 Beyers: 79-84-65
◗ Has shown the versatility to run well on the lead or from a pressing position, a key given the presence of the quick Moonshine Sipper, who regularly makes the front.
Swagbag, by Forty Grams
Last 3 Beyers: 79-73-67
◗ Finished fifth the last time he raced against this level of competition, then returned in a $16,000 claimer and blew past the field with a wide rally Aug. 12.