Josdesanimaux eyes repeat

Josdesanimaux will bring horse-for-course credentials to Gulfstream Park on Sunday, when she attempts to win the $50,000 Panama City Handicap for the second year in a row. She is the 121-pound highweight for the one-mile turf race being run over a course on which Josdesanimaux is 4 for 7.

“She likes Gulfstream Park,” said trainer Ralph Nicks.

The Panama City drew a field of nine, including Winning for Sarah, who is entered for the main track only. The race, which was for open company a year ago, on Sunday is restricted to fillies and mares bred in Florida.

KEY CONTENDERS

Josdesanimaux, by Leroidesanimaux Last 3 Beyers: 77-89-85

◗ Josdesanimaux has won five races overall in her career, with four of them on the grass at Gulfstream, including the Florida Sire Stakes Jewel Princess in 2015. Nicks said he believes her affinity for the local course has to do with its firmer ground. She is returning to the Florida track after finishing ninth last out in a quick running of the Grade 3 Intercontinental at Belmont Park.

“I think the big thing is getting her back on the surface she’s done her best on,” said Nicks, who is the leading trainer at Gulfstream.

◗ Josdesanimaux will break from post 8.

“She’s normally better a little further off” the pace, said Nicks. “In there, it wouldn’t surprise me if she’s at least in a stalking position.”

◗ Luca Panici has the mount for Palm Beach Racing Partnership.

◗ Josdesanimaux is from the female family of multiple Grade 1 winner Jostle.

My Girl Corey, by Warrior’s Reward Last 3 Beyers: 79-84-84

◗ The stakes-placed runner is moving back into the Florida-bred ranks after finishing sixth in the Treasure Coast, a one-mile turf race for fillies and mares July 15 at Gulfstream.

“She had a troubled trip last time, so we expect her to be very competitive also,” Nicks said.

◗ My Girl Corey will break from post 4 under leading rider Tyler Gaffalione, who has been aboard for both of the closer’s wins over the local turf at Gulfstream.

“I expect her to come running, expect her to move forward off her last effort,” said Nicks.

Pancake, by Corinthian Last 3 Beyers: 75-47-54

◗ She also exits the Treasure Coast, finishing eighth in what was her first start since last November.

◗ Pancake has worked a bullet five furlongs since the race, going in 59.80 seconds Aug. 3 at Gulfstream.