Maker Trainee and Pletcher Duo Look Strong for GP West Feature

Conditions are fast and firm at Calder, site of the  Gulfstream  Park West  meet--and  speed is generally holding up  on the dirt as it did yesterday.

Scheduled post is 4:35 p.m.  for the  ninth and feature race. It is one mile on dirt for 3-year-olds and up and is a $16,000 optional claimer with a $39,000 purse.

The 8-year-old Palatine Hill and Bluegrass Luck loom as early speed.  But they could  find it difficult to hold off Tiger of Wales who is trained by  Mike Maker and will be riddbn by Tyler Gaffalione.

Tiger of Wales has been looking strong at this distance and level.   This summer and fall  he has two wins  and a  second place finish in three starts at Gulfstream  Park and a second  place finish in his only start at GP West this year.

Todd Pletcher has a pair of contenders, both owned by Sumaya Us Stable.  They are African Fighter  and Morning Dancer--racing as separate betting interests.

The former has been racing against tougher at Saratoga and Belmont and has Eddie Castro riding  The latter has been racing Chile and has had some fast workouts at Palm Beach Downs. Edgard  Zayas has the mount.