Top pair tough to separate

It is a tough call between Nunc Pro Tunc and Empire Power in a first-level allowance race that headlines Saturday’s Gulfstream Park West program.

If Nunc Pro Tunc runs back to his runner-up finish in a first-level allowance race going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park on Aug. 30, he will be tough to beat.

He has never raced at Gulfstream Park West, though, and Empire Power has a win and two runner-up finishes from three starts there.

The seven-furlong dash for 3-year-olds and up drew 11 horses and goes as race 8 on a nine-race card that begins at 1 p.m. Eastern.

Trained by Leo Gabriel Jr., Nunc Pro Tunc will also appreciate he cutback to seven furlongs after finishing second going a mile in a first-level allowance race at Gulfstream on Sept. 22.

With apprentice Cristian Torres riding, he was sent off as the 2-1 favorite and was midpack early before moving into a stalking position approaching the turn. He made a quick move from along the rail to take over the lead on the turn, held a two-length advantage at the eighth pole, but could not hold off Green Mansions late. It was a good effort, and comparing the 79 Beyer Speed Figure he received to the career-best 95 he earned in his previous race, he may have bounced.

He will break from post 5 with Luca Panici up.

Empire Power finished third in the same race despite hopping at the start. He also had to alter course when it looked like he was going to follow Nunc Pro Tunc along the rail. He eventually moved outside for the drive but couldn’t catch the top two.

He will break from post 7 with Edgard Zayas retaining the mount.

KEY CONTENDERS

Nunc Pro Tunc, by Private Vow Last 3 Beyers: 79-95-74

◗ Tossing his race on the turf three back, he has not been worse than second in his last six starts.

◗ The 95 Beyer he received two back stands out, he has a solid record at the distance, and he should get a nice trip from a forward position.

Empire Power, by Bodemeister Last 3 Beyers: 76-83-78

◗ He wants to be forwardly placed but was taken out of his game when he hopped at the start in his latest.

◗ He likes the local surface and could be very dangerous if he breaks with the field.

Noon Time Gem, by Gemologist Last 3 Beyers: 78-83-78

◗ Trained by Juan Perez, the improving 3-year-old finished second the only time he tried seven furlongs, so he should not mind the slightly longer distance after finishing third at this level going six furlongs at Gulfstream on Sept. 25.

◗ He may have been trying to tell us something when he worked a sharp five furlongs in 59.27 seconds at Gulfstream on Oct. 12.

Bet Gulfstream Park West with DRF Bets: drfbets.com