GulfstreamL A Look at the Second Race

Friday's second race at Gulfstream is down to four starters, following the morning scratch (veterinarian) of Francesco Appeal, who likely would have been favored in the six-furlong dirt test for two-year-olds.

 Scheduled post is 1:23 p.m.

The purse is $43,000 with a $75,000 optional claiming price.  The only horse in for the tag is Thanks God, trained by leading Gulfstream trainer Antonio Sano and to be ridden by Leonel Reyes.

Francesco Appeal, trained by Larry Pilotti, won his debut race at Gulfstream on May 12.  In his only other start he finished third, 5 ½ lengths behind still unbeaten Three Rules, on July 2 in the 5 ½ furlong Birdonthewire Stakes at Gulfstream.

Our pick is Inkspired, trained by Phil Gleaves and owned by Peter Vegso. 

Inkspired is the only horse in the field that has raced at six furlongs.  In his only start, he won at that distance at Gulfstream on July 23—winning in 1:12.0 and earning a  Brisnet figure of 80 that  is best among the four remaining starters.

Tyler Gaffalione has the return mount on Inkspired, who has the outside post which should be an advantage in a race where any of the four horses might seek the lead.

Sweetontheladies (Henry Collazo-Marco Meneses), Victor Barboza Jr,-Edgard Zayas) and Thanks God have all shown early speed in wins at five furlongs at Gulfstream.