Sometimes it’s wise to try to beat vulnerable favorites, then sometimes it’s not. This is one of those occasions where prudence is the only way to go.
Thursday’s feature at Gulfstream is a 12-furlongs turf marathon that features a filly that broke maiden going 10 furlongs, bred to keep right on going, is a 625K sales purchase who needs to start paying her way while finding out whether she can live up to her pedigree.
We know that owner celebrity chef Bobby Flay loves to collect broodmares for his breeding operation, and this one needs to burnish her credentials.
There’s no magic formula needed. She’s meant to stay the trip, as opposed to many of her rivals, could not be from a hotter barn that Todd Pletcher’s; she broke maiden going 10 furlongs at Belmont.
The only issue is finding a rider to replace Irad Ortiz Jr. who will be grounded several weeks with a knee injury. There are plenty of talented riders open in this relatively small field.
We thought she moved prematurely when second in her New York finale. Check it to see if you agree: Aqueduct, NOV 26, Race 3.
A key to any horizontal pool you wish, we’re taking Mezcal (8-5) to win, no price restrictions, and key-boxing exactas with Be Up (4-1), for the hot team of Thomas/Saez, and Champagne Ivy (5-1), returning from a scheduled freshening for Saffie and Javier.
