Whisper Onthe Wind aims for sixth win of year in optional claimer
Whisper Onthe Wind will try to win his sixth race this year when he runs in an optional $12,500 claiming race for Florida-breds ages 3 and up at Gulfstream Park on Sunday.
Kantune looks like the main threat in the 1 1/16-mile turf race, which drew eight horses and goes as race 9 on an 11-race card that begins at 1:15 p.m. Eastern. Starship Zorro, the only horse in the field not eligible for the allowance conditions of the race, also looks dangerous.
Trained by Dane Kobiskie, Whisper Onthe Wind has blossomed as a 7-year-old, compiling a 5-3-1 record from 12 starts this year. He certainly is the most accomplished horse in the field, with 11 wins from 62 starts for earnings of $292,164.
In his most recent win, Whisper Onthe Wind came from a stalking position to edge Galleon Mast by a neck in a one-mile, $50,000 starter race on turf at Gulfstream on Aug. 11. In his most recent start, in a $16,000 optional-claiming race going 1 1/16 miles, he trailed the field early, got stuck behind a wall of horses when it looked like he was going to make a move heading into the second turn, and then finished full of run to get up for second behind the 4-5 favorite, Amigo.
Whisper Onthe Wind drew post 3, with Eddie Castro, who has been his regular rider since Kobiskie claimed him April 30 out of a winning race for $25,000, retaining the mount.
KEY CONTENDERS
Whisper Onthe Wind, by Flower Alley
Last 3 Beyers: 81-80-79
◗ He is clearly the one to beat if the race stays on grass, but he hasn’t performed that well over dirt, and others would look more attractive if it gets washed off and moved to the main track.
Kantune, by Kantharos
Last 3 Beyers: 80-51-72
◗ Trained by Mark Casse, he almost took them all the way going 7 1/2 furlongs at this level in only his second start on turf.
◗ He has won going this far on the main track, so the added distance isn’t a concern, and he should get a cozy trip from the inside post with Edgard Zayas retaining the mount.
◗ He has a good record over wet tracks and would become the favorite if the rain comes.
Starship Zorro, by Giant’s Causeway
Last 3 Beyers: 77-76-75
◗ He rallied to finish third in the same race that Kantune exits and should be rolling late with leading rider Tyler Gaffalione aboard.
◗ His career-best 91 Beyer Speed Figure was earned at this distance, and trainer Saffie A. Joseph Jr. is winning races at a 38 percent clip at the meet.