Avast Matey on the outside

Avast Matey finally gets off the fence Friday for the featured seventh race at Gulfstream Park.

He will start from the outside in post 7 for the optional $16,000 claiming sprint that carries first-level allowance conditions after breaking from the rail in his last two starts. Also in the field for the seven-furlong race are Mal Guapo, a 12-time winner, and Grand Nene, who finished right behind Avast Matey when the pair last met March 31.

The card Friday comprises eight races, and has a later first post time of 1:15 p.m. Eastern.

RACE 7 KEY CONTENDERS

Avast Matey, by Birdstone Last 3 Beyers: 77-82-64

◗ The outside draw might give jockey Tyler Gaffalione more options Friday than the horse had in his first start of the year Feb. 23 at Gulfstream. Avast Matey broke from the rail in a field of six in an optional $25,000 claiming race over six furlongs and set the early pace before finishing fourth.

◗ Avast Matey has raced once since then and was second in an optional $25,000 claiming sprint March 31 at Gulfstream. He was with the early pace and was beaten 5 3/4 lengths in a sevenfurlong race that went in a rapid 1:21.60.

◗ Ralph Nicks trains Avast Matey for PHS Racing.

Grand Nene, by Twirling Candy Last 3 Beyers: 75-74-74

◗ He finished right behind Avast Matey two starts ago, when third in the optional $25,000 claiming race at seven furlongs.

◗ The added ground he picks up off a six-furlong sprint last time figures to bolster his cause. Grand Nene’s last win came at the trip in a $30,000 claiming sprint Dec. 21 at Gulfstream.

◗ Emisael Jaramillo has the mount for Grupo 7C Racing Stable and trainer Jose Garoffalo. Keep Me Grounded, by First Samurai Last 3 Beyers: 79-66-79

◗ He is a half-brother to both Boston Common, a multiple Grade 2 winner of $609,317, and Storm Surge, a Grade 3 winner of $473,223.

◗ Keep Me Grounded won at this seven-furlong distance last out at Gulfstream, when he rolled by four lengths in a $12,500 claiming race. He set a quick pace before covering the distance in 1:22.40.

Mal Guapo, by Into Mischief Last 3 Beyers: 77-66-49

◗ He is the winningest member of the field.

◗ He will be cutting back to one turn after finishing third in a $15,000 claiming race at a mile last out at Fair Grounds.