Cay Dancer stacks up well against familiar rivals
February 12, 2016HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – The Grade 3 La Prevoyante on Dec. 26 at Gulfstream Park was one of those merry-go-round turf races in which the favorite, Goldy Espony, prevailed on the lead while very little change in position unfolded behind her. Behind the winner, Maximova got a beautiful trip, finishing second at 35-1. But two others weren’t as fortunate: Her Christophe Clement-trained stablemate, Walk Close, raced near the back most of the way and was unable to close much ground, and a gray mare named Cay Dancer also was victimized by the slow pace.
The legitimacy of that race will come under close scrutiny Thursday at Gulfstream when those three reconvene in the eighth of 10 races, the $65,000 Savannah Jane at 1 1/2 miles on turf. In fact, partly because she was such long odds in the La Prevoyante, some bettors will be taking a stand against Maximova when they line up again Thursday. Cay Dancer, with the benefit of that race behind her, might well be favored over the Clement pair. Making her first start in eight months for trainer Chad Brown, she passed a few rivals with a sustained run before settling for sixth and now picks up perennial leading jockey Javier Castellano.
A $46,000 allowance directly follows the Savannah Jane as the ninth race. Castellano also is very live there with Baublette, who will look to rebound off a disappointing effort last month for trainer Shug McGaughey. First post is 12:35 p.m. Eastern.
KEY CONTENDERS
Cay Dancer, by Danehill Dancer Last 3 Beyer Speed Figures: 88-91-86. This British-bred mare, who was good enough to finish second in the Grade 3 Bewitch in the spring, is still winless in four North American starts but has kept pretty stern company and finds herself in arguably her best spot yet since she arrived in this country.
Maximova, by Danehill Dancer Last 3 Beyer Speed Figures: 94-81-85. Can’t necessarily hold the perfect trip against her, as she really did run well when chasing Goldy Espony, but her prior races say she might not be quite as good as the other two favorites here; it’ll be Joe Bravo on a return call.
Walk Close, by Tapit Last 3 Beyer Speed Figures: 81-93-96. A three-back winner of the Grade 3 Modesty at Arlington Park, this Kentucky-bred 5-year-old will have Joel Rosario aboard for the first time when looking to launch a big late run.