Wildcat Wish classy but in for a tag

MIAMI – The best race of the day comes early on Friday at Gulfstream Park West. The second race is an open, $50,000 claiming dash for 3-year-olds that brings together a well-matched field of six, led by the multiple stakes-placed Wildcat Wish, along with New Jersey invader He’s Cotton.

Wildcat Wish is a bit of a question mark while showing up under a claiming tag for the first time since winning his maiden against $50,000 selling foes last fall at Gulfstream Park. Wildcat Wish has been keeping the classiest company of this group, most recently finishing fifth, beaten less than three lengths, against a strong field of older, high-level optional-claiming types led by stakes winners We’re All Set and Yourdreamsormine.

Wildcat Wish not only owns the best Beyer Speed Figures in the field, he also has a win over the course and is capable of sitting a perfect stalking trip just off likely pacesetters Sweetwater and Icatiro. He’ll also reunite with jockey Edgard Zayas for the first time since the pair combined to register a 4 1/4-length optional-claiming victory in the horse’s first start since being transferred to trainer Stanley Gold’s barn last spring at Gulfstream.

He’s Cotton has been freshened since defeating an average field of first-level optional-claiming rivals 10 weeks ago at Monmouth Park. In his previous start, He’s Cotton finished third behind the graded-stakes-placed Yellow Chips in what turned out to be a key race at the Jersey Shore oval.

Icatiro returns against straight 3-year-old competition for the first time in his last five starts. Icatiro was overmatched against a solid group of older horses when finishing seventh after prompting the pace into the stretch while making his first start since being haltered by his present connections for $30,000 out of a winning effort at Gulfstream on Aug. 26.

Icatiro continues to sizzle in the morning, posting his second consecutive 46-second-and-change half-mile drill at Gulfstream on Oct. 12.

Sweetwater, an optional-claiming winner two starts back; Call to Honor, third in the restricted Unbridled Stakes this summer at Gulfstream; and turf specialist Imperial Warrior complete the field.

Race 2

TOP CONTENDERS

Wildcat Wish, by Wildcat Heir

Last 3 Beyers: 85-89-82

◗ His two best efforts this year have come in losing efforts, a third behind Abounding Legacy in the Trinniberg Stakes and a second behind the area’s top 3-year-old sprinter, Awesome Banner, in the Big Cypress.

He’s Cotton, by High Cotton

Last 3 Beyers: 83-72-71

◗ Began his career at Gulfstream Park West, where he finished a well-beaten fifth while debuting against maiden special weight competition one year ago.