Dude Fantasy facing older in sprint

Dude Fantasy returns to Gulfstream Park, where the last time she ran she won the $500,000 Florida Sire My Dear Girl Stakes for trainer Ralph Nicks and owner Donald Dizney on Oct. 1.

The homebred 3-year-old filly will be facing older runners for the first time in a $62,500 optional-claiming race for fillies and mares that headlines Thursday’s nine-race card.

The seven-furlong distance could be perfect for Dude Fantasy, the only sophomore in the seven-horse field. She won her debut going six furlongs in a maiden special weight race and then rallied to win the 1 1/16mile My Dear Girl.

Following her rich payday, Nicks shipped her on Nov. 19 to Delta Downs, where she chased an honest pace before fading to finish ninth in the Grade 3, $400,000 Delta Downs Princess.

This is her first start since; the half-sister to stakes winners Dixie High and Dixie Dreamer has been training forwardly for Nicks, who has solid numbers with horses coming back in 61 to 180 days.

Leading rider Tyler Gaffalione will be aboard Dude Fantasy when she breaks from the inside post.

KEY CONTENDERS

Dude Fantasy, by First Dude Last 3 Beyers: 38-68-63

◗ She is perfect over this track, and with her tactical speed, Gaffalione should be able to get her into a good spot early. It is never easy facing older horses for the first time, but if she has matured over the winter, she could be the winner of what appears to be a wide-open race.

More Than a Party, by More Than Ready Last 3 Beyers: 73-68-68

◗ Trained by Edwin Broome, the Grade 3-placed 6-year-old has seen better days, but she did show decent speed after stumbling at the start in her latest at this level and could be sitting on a big effort in her second race back.

Concealed with a kiss, by Political Force Last 3 Beyers: 65-58-76

◗ She finished a neck behind Linda Mimi going a mile at this level April 20 but might have an advantage over her rival going seven furlongs.

◗ In her last two starts at the distance, she romped in a $16,000 optional-claiming race Jan. 22 before finishing third in the $50,000 Lady Bird on Feb. 20.

◗ She has good speed and could be dangerous from a forward position if she breaks alertly from post 2 with Emisael Jaramillo riding.

Linda Mimi, by Congrats Last 3 Beyers: 65-63-80

◗ Trained by Gustavo Delgado, she just missed as the favorite in a game effort in the same race that Concealed with a kiss exits and is certainly capable of winning this with the right kind of trip.

◗ Her two wins came at 1 1/16 miles and nine furlongs, however, so she might like a bit more distance.