Bella Ciao getting class break

Competition runs deep in a first-level allowance race that will serve as Sunday’s feature at Gulfstream West. The sevenfurlong dash for fillies and mares drew 10 horses and goes as race 7 on an eight-race card that begins at 1 p.m. Eastern.

Bella Ciao will appreciate the class relief after finishing last in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks on March 30.

Ignoring the Oaks and focusing on her runner-up finish in her previous start in a firstlevel allowance race with a $75,000 claiming option makes her a serious player.

Trained by Antonio Sano, she came from a stalking position in the one-mile race to finish 1 1/4 lengths behind Horologist.

Horologist won her next three starts, including a victory in the Grade 3 Monmouth Oaks. Following her win in the Oaks, she finished third in the Grade 1 Cotillion at Parx Racing.

Bella Ciao went on the shelf following her disappointing effort in the Gulfstream Oaks. Nonetheless, she has worked well over the Gulfstream West surface leading up to her return, and one of the best performances in her nine-race career was a thirdplace finish in the $75,000 Hut Hut at Gulfstream when she was coming off a shorter layoff. The winner, Classic Fit, finished second in the Grade 2 Mother Goose at Belmont in her next start.

KEY CONTENDERS

Bella Ciao, by Flatter

Last 3 Beyers: 45-76-46

◗ She has not been able to keep up in graded races, and she had an excuse when she did not fire as the favorite in the $50,000 Gasparilla at Tampa.

However, her other races stamp her as the one to beat. There is the lengthy layoff to consider, though.

Sammie Sunshine, by First Samurai

Last 3 Beyers: 76-69-64

◗ The 4-year-old Kentuckybred has improved in her last three starts and is coming off a runner-up finish in a one-mile race at this level Aug. 24.

◗ Leading up to her solid effort was a romp going seven furlongs in a $25,000 conditioned claimer that was washed off the turf June 28. She held the lead before giving way to finish second in a first-level allowance race with a $16,000 claiming option July 28, also at seven furlongs.

She will break from post 7 with Edgard Zayas aboard. With her tactical speed, she should get a nice trip from a forward position.

Paula Andrea, by Maclean’s Music

Last 3 Beyers: 70-57-71

◗ Also trained by Sano, she set the pace before fading in the same race Sammie Sunshine, exits, but looked good winning a $35,000 conditioned claimer Oct. 14 at Gulfstream Park West.

◗ She is perfect in two starts over the local surface and could be dangerous if she can get the jump on the other speed. She has never won a race longer than six furlongs, though.