A winning formula, or so Dutrow hopes

If it's true that history tends to repeat itself, that's good news for Tony Dutrow and bad news for Marty Wolfson.

Both trainers have sent out a well-backed runner in the Gallant Bob Handicap for 3-year-old sprinters within the last two years, and both ship in contenders for Saturday's running of the $250,000, six-furlong stakes at Philadelphia Park.

Dutrow, who saddles Happy Bull on Saturday, won the 2007 Gallant Bob with Premium Wine at 9-2. Wolfson, who saddles You Luckie Mann, finished seventh in last year's race with Golden Spikes at 7-2.

Horseplayers should give Happy Bull a long look. Happy Bull, who is based in New York, has been off since posting a career-best 95 Beyer Speed Figure for winning a second-level optional $50,000 claimer at Saratoga in late August.

The pattern looks similar to that of Premium Wine, who two years ago was freshened following a win and a career-best Beyer in a second-level optional claimer at Saratoga in August and returned to take the Gallant Bob.

Handicappers should note that You Luckie Mann, who is based in Calder, will be making the second start of his form cycle. The last two times he was in that situation, You Luckie Mann recorded a career-best 109 Beyer for finishing second in the Sunshine Millions Dash and won the Unbridled Stakes at Calder in June.

The 11-horse lineup for the Gallant Bob includes a pair of Grade 3 winners in Custom for Carlos and Everyday Heroes.

Custom for Carlos finished 7 1/4 lengths ahead of Happy Bull in winning the Grade 3 Jersey Shore at Monmouth Park in July, but was dueled into defeat in the Grade 2 Amsterdam at Saratoga and flashed speed and faded making his first start on grass in the Turf Monster Handicap a month ago. His trainer, Eddie Kenneally, is 5 for 19 with sprinters going turf to dirt the last five years, according to DRF's Formulator.

Everyday Heroes was in good form in the spring, when he won the Grade 3 Hirsch Jacobs at Pimlico, but he has disappointed in the two starts since he was sold and transferred to Kiaran McLaughlin's barn.

Also in the field is Brass Bay, who most recently was a close second in the Grade 3 Kentucky Cup Sprint at Turfway Park. He has never finished worse than second in six career starts. all on synthetic surfaces.