Perfect Tay looks to atone in turf mile

The ultra-consistent Perfect Tay, who just missed as the odds-on favorite in his last start, will try to make amends in a $20,000 starter optionalclaiming race that will serve as Thursday’s feature at Gulfstream Park.

The one-mile race on turf for 3-year-olds and up drew eight horses, and at the very least, Perfect Tay should be part of any exacta ticket.

Trained by Angel Rodriguez, Perfect Tay hasn’t finished worse than second in five starts this year, all on Gulfstream’s turf course, and he is versatile. In his neck loss to Diaz in a $25,000 starter optional claimer, he forced a moderate pace, and after a prolonged duel with Global Entry between the sixfurlong mark and the sixteenth pole, he couldn’t hold off Diaz, who rallied from last.

Perfect Tay was the 9-5 favorite in a $16,000 starter optional claimer April 12 and was well back early before rallying into a quick pace to finish second behind Woodbine stakes winner Star Contender, who took them all the way in the 7 1/2-furlong race.

In both races, Perfect Tay was ridden by Edgard Zayas. Leading rider Tyler Gaffalione picks up the mount and will have more than one option after Perfect Tay breaks from the inside post.

KEY CONTENDERS

Perfect Tay, by Perfect Soul Last 3 Beyers: 85-85-89

◗ He is as honest as they come. The last time he went a mile, he

was the runner-up in a $25,000 starter optional claimer March 24. The winner, Class and Cash, earned a 95 Beyer Speed Figure when he won his next start in a $35,000 starter optional claimer. It was a super-key race, with four other horses winning their next start.

Padilla, by With Distinction Last 3 Beyers: 86-84-70

◗ Trained by Aubrey Maragh, the 7-year-old Florida-bred just missed when going five furlongs on turf in a $16,000 starter optional claimer May 11 and certainly won’t mind the added yardage.

◗ He was coming off a short layoff when he won a one-mile, $30,000 claiming race on grass April 21. He could be sitting on a big effort in the third start of his form cycle.

Mr. Magic, by Scat Daddy Last 3 Beyers: 83-73-83

◗ Toss out his race two back, where he had a compromised trip, and he’s been right there in all of his starts this year.

◗ Trained by Angel Quiroz, he figures to be forwardly placed and could be dangerous if he’s allowed to set moderate fractions.

D’craziness, by D’wildcat Last 3 Beyers: 81-87-75

◗ The Barry Croft trainee has improved dramatically since moving to turf, and as a lightly raced 4-year-old, his best races could be in front of him.