Turf Stayers On Display At Gulfstream

Turf Stayers On Display At Gulfstream

A pair of grassy marathons will top the Saturday card at Gulfstream Park. The 11-furlong $150,000 Mac Diarmida S. (G2) is set to attract some nice stayers, including Amira’s Prince, who has looked the part in two fine wins since arriving to the states on this surface. The four-year-old son of Teofilo has made mostly short work of two softer fields in advance of this, but is razor sharp and could really be any kind for conditioner Bill Mott.

Grade 1-caliber Fifty Proof, multiple Grade 3 winner Ioya Bigtime, Grade 1 star Teaks North, winner of the Sunshine Millions Turf last time, and El Prado S. hero Nikki’s Sandcastle, all deserve a long look in this race.

In the 1 3/8-miles $100,000 The Very One S. (G3), La Prevoyante H. (G3) upsetter Closing Range, the Bob Hess-trained Kadaya, perfect in two runs at Gulfstream since arriving in the U. S., California import Private Affair, Juddmonte’s Grade 3 victress Starformer and Seanchai, a fine allowance winner last out for trainer Todd Pletcher, are also likely for this running.

The $100,000 Sabin S. (G3) on Sunday, while not the most lucrative race of the weekend here, could be the most anticipated. The Bill Mott trained Royal Delta, a two-time Eclipse Award winner, is set to make her 2013 debut in this race. The sensational daughter of Empire Maker was last seen bagging her second straight Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic and will use this race as a prep for a bigger event next month in Dubai. The now five-year-old is training swiftly at Payson and should be tough with something near her best.

Grade 1 vixen Grace Hall, fourth in the Ladies Classic, is much accomplished and could have a slight edge on the favorite with her early speed, if she decides to show it. The Tony Dutrow trainee is all class and wouldn’t be a surprise as the clear second option in this race. All for Thee, Class Included, Go Unbridled and My Pal Chrissy, will likely be challenging for minor awards.