Gulfstream Park opens its doors for business on Saturday, and gets things rolling right off the bat when hosting the Claiming Crown for the initial time. A total of seven stakes races will be held for horses that have run in the claiming ranks throughout the year totaling $850,000, with the topper coming in the form of the $200,000 Jewel. Willy Beamin, who captured the King’s Bishop (G1) at Saratoga in August, tops the list of 25 nominees for the Jewel. The Richard Dutrow trainee has kept good form since his biggest win and could be a big standout in this field.
Bold Ruler H. (G3) third Associate, who was scratched out of the Cigar Mile (G1), stakes winner Dubios Miss, old class horse Homeboykris, Bold Ruler H. (G3) fourth Private Tale and the surging Trade are among the top foes to challenge the likely short-priced favorite.
The $125,000 Emerald is a 1 1/16 miles turf race and could attract the likes of Cantonic, a nice third in an allowance at Keeneland last out, Hawthorne Derby (G3) fourth Cavalero, the consistently good Exclusive Strike, Spend A Buck (G3) third Flatter This, potential upsetter Freshman Dorm, and the top pair from the Jamaica H. (G1), winner King David and runner-up King Kreesa.
In the grassy $125,000 Tiara for fillies and mares, the multiple stakes placed Ainsley, Athenia S. (G3) second Embarr, recent stakes third Eulonia, from the barn of Graham Motion, Fleur de Lilly and Dahlia S. heroine Idle Talk are just a few of the top contenders in this wide-open affair.
The resurgent Gangsterontherun, sharp claim Gibson and My Place Anytime, who has won five in a row in dominant fashion, could be among the favorites for the $100,000 Express.
The $100,000 Iron Horse, $100,000 Glass Slipper and the $100,000 Rapid Transit are also slated for this big day of Saturday of racing for our blue-collared standouts.