Soutache makes return to track

HALLANDALE BEACH — Under normal circumstances, Soutache would be a solid favorite in Saturday’s Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream. He’s won three of four starts, including the final two legs of the 2017 Florida Sire Stakes series. His only defeat was a third in the Dr. Fager Stakes.

Three of his five rivals in the Grade 3 6-furlong dash for 3-year-olds boast only a maiden win. Only Tricks to Doo has a stakes credential, the minor Inaugural at Tampa Bay Downs.

However, there are red flags flying around Soutache. He has not run since the Sire Stakes finale, the In Reality, in September. That was a two-turn mileand-a-sixteenth, so he is making a distinct turn back in distance. The Sire Stakes is restricted to 2-year-old offspring of Florida stallions. His only loss was at the Hutcheson distance.

The positive news is, Soutache led all the way in his five furlong debut against open company and he has been working sharply, according to trainer Ralph Nicks. Tyler Gaffalione, who won the In Reality aboard Soutache, has the return mount.

Tricks to Doo could be the horse Soutache will have to run down. He has won two of his three starts at 6 furlongs, including a 7¼-length romp in the Inaugural. He shipped across the state for the 7-furlong Swale against a tougher group than he will face in the Hutcheson and was prominent early before fading to fourth. Trainer Arnaud Delacour, a rising star, says this convinced him Tricks to Doo doesn’t want more than 6 furlongs. Irad Ortiz replaces his brother Jose in the saddle.

It wouldn’t be a Saturday stakes at Gulfstream without a contender from the Todd Pletcher barn. The 14-time leading trainer is sending out Impact Player, who could be a horse for the Gulfstream course. Impact Player was winless in three starts in New York. Since coming south he is two-fortwo, the latest a 7¼ length cakewalk in an optional claiming race.

Madison Luna ships in from Tampa off a maiden win. Belle Tapisserie has a win and two seconds at Gulfstream. My Chinumado appears overmatched. The former claimer is one win from 10 starts and was eighth, beaten 20 lengths in his only Gulfstream start.

The Hutcheson is supported by the $75,000 Any Limit for 3-year-old fillies. Elevenses appears to be horse to beat off a two-forthree record, including a 7¾-length runaway in her most recent start, an optional claiming race. The stakes is named for a filly trained by the late Hall of Famer H. Allen Jerkens, father of Elevenses’ trainer Jimmy Jerkens.

GULFSTREAM PARK/COURTESY Tricks to Doo has won two of his three starts at 6 furlongs, including a 7¼-length romp in the Inaugural.