GULFSTREAM WEST Mrs. Crews shortens up, drops in class

Mrs. Crews should appreciate the move back to a sprint and easier company when she runs in a $50,000 starter race with a $50,000 claiming option for 2-year-old fillies that headlines Friday’s nine-race card at Gulfstream Park West. The sixfurlong dash drew nine horses and appears to be a wide-open race.

Trained by Michael Yates, Mrs. Crews was on a roll prior to finishing last in the $400,000 My Dear Girl division of the Florida Sire Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Sept. 29. After just missing to Midtown Rose in a $25,000 maiden-claiming race at Gulfstream Park in her debut on June 30, she won a $50,000 maiden claimer July 19 and came right back to beat Midtown Rose in a $35,000 starter race with a $35,000 claiming option Aug. 17.

It is easy to toss her race in the My Dear Girl. With Luca Panici aboard, she showed speed but was pretty much done when she was bumped prior to going very wide around the first turn in the 1 1/16-mile race.

Mrs. Crews will break from post 7 with Jesus Rios riding. Rios was aboard for both of her wins.

Speaking of appreciating easier company, Midtown Rose ran into Bulletin when she tried turf for the first time in the $82,500 Hollywood Beach at Gulfstream on Sept. 29. Bulletin, who romped in his debut in the Hollywood Beach, broke like a rocket and never looked back when he made his next start in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs last Friday.

In her previous start, Midtown Rose was heavily favored when she finished second to First Time Proud in a $35,000 starter race with a $35,000 claiming option Sept. 6. She is trained by trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

KEY CONTENDERS

Mrs. Crews, by Brethern Last 3 Beyers: 0-64-63

◗ She showed she didn’t need the lead in her second win and could get a nice trip stalking what could be a fast and contested pace.

First Time Proud, by Kantharos Last 3 Beyers: 0-60-41

◗ The David Braddy-trained chestnut was very impressive in her win over Midtown Rose going six furlongs and can be forgiven for fading after being in the mix early in the My Dear Girl. With a couple of sharp interim works, she could be sitting on a big effort while moving back to her preferred distance.

Midtown Rose, by Gary D Last 3 Beyers: 52-50-63

◗ She hasn’t finished worse than second in three starts on dirt, and considering who won, that wasn’t a bad effort in the Hollywood Beach.

Sky Run, by Adios Charlie Last 3 Beyers: 44-36-NA

◗ She took them all the way in a $25,000 maiden-claiming race at Gulfstream Park West on Oct. 6 and could be dangerous while making her first start for trainer Gilberto Zerpa. Over the past five years, Zerpa has a 40 percent strike rate with claimed horses running back the first time.