GULFSTREAM WEST

though against easier maiden $35,000 company. Generally prefer those moving down, rather than up, the maiden claiming ladder. CELEBRATEME split the field when fourth of seven in a straight maiden race that came off the grass at Gulfstream June 23. Potentially disadvantaged by a long stay on the sidelines, which includes a gap of almost a month in works on her published tab from Sept. 30 to Oct. 26.

SIXTH RACE

NIKKI’S CAUSE goes second off-the-claim for winning connections, and should rebound from a poor effort when eighth Oct. 19 against allowance runners. She grew keen behind a slow pace, possibly the result of being fresh after a couple months off, and it compromised her finish. Excuse that loss and her $30,000 claiming form is solid. QUEEN’S FATE and ITSAGIMME’S GIRL are logical contenders coming off in-the-money finishes, with the former doing so locally against similar Oct. 19 and the latter managing it against Illinoisbred allowance runners in Chicago Sept. 20.

SEVENTH RACE

FIRST AND THREE ran so well at first asking, romping by 9 lengths against maiden $35,000 stock, that his connections took a shot in the In Reality division of the Florida Stallion Series. He failed to keep pace in there, running 10th, though it was a forgivable loss given the class hike and with him stretching out to a route on two weeks rest. Far better suited to this starter sprint. RAYO MY KING weakened late to be fourth Oct. 17 against slightly richer starter runners, beaten less than a length. Forgive a couple stakes losses on grass and this one has been running well since late June. LEAKY

CUP rolled second out after spurting clear early, and now gets a class test on the rise from maiden $20,000. May have to rate this time around with plenty of speed inside of him.

EIGHTH RACE

DELTA BLUESMAN is aggressively spotted in this $25,000 claimer by Navarro after running in allowances and minor stakes for much of the year. Class edge may offset a 5-0-1-1 local record. STORMING MY WAY returned to form in finishing third last out, showing fight to last for a minor award after getting passed coming into the lane. Seems at his best when racing on a fast main track. MR. KISSES was able to dictate the pace in an off-the-turf race Nov. 11, before tiring over the final furlong and running third. He seems better suited to running today’s distance of three quarters, though he figures to have to chase a more demanding pace.

NINTH RACE

CHANNELED BY THE WIND seemed overeager when racing Oct. 17, running off to a clear lead while setting a hot opening quarter. Then he paid the price, weakening to fourth. Capable of better if he can settle a bit kinder for today’s jockey, Paco Lopez. STILL THE ONE is returned to the maiden claiming ranks after running sixth against Floridabred maidens Oct. 11; goes for a his lowest tag, $20,000, after having raced mostly for $35,000. HOMEDRILL has yet to hit the board in five starts, but all of his starts have come against classier for trainer Mark Casse. Gives the impression of preferring turf to dirt.