A strong field has been assembled to contest the G1 $500,000 Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park this weekend, with a slew of accomplished males hoping to add a Grade 1 trophy to their case. G1 Clark Handicap victor Giant Oak worked a swift five furlongs on Sunday and appears to be all systems go for conditioner Chris Block. The late-running son of Giant’s Causeway should be a late threat in this nine-furlong test.
Successful Dan was DQ’d in the Clark but has yet to run a bad one for Charles Lopresti. The lightly-raced five-year-old will be a major factor with even slight improvement. G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic third Fly Down was a few head bobs away from picking up two Grade 1 wins in 2010 and could be among the top handicap horses this season for Nick Zito.
Multiple graded winner Rule was third in the G1 Florida Derby on this surface last campaign and should be in the mix from the outset. G3 Breeders’ Cup Marathon winner Eldaafer, G1 Dirt Mile runner-up Morning Line, and Grade 1 heroes I Want Revenge and Square Eddie, are also set for this engagement.
Also on Saturday at Gulfstream is the G1 $300,000 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap. Group 1 import Never on Sunday, multiple Grade 2 winner Get Stormy, returning Grade 3 victor Twilight Meteor, Grade 2 turf stalwart Al Khali and classy Grade 2 winner Loup Breton are among the headliners for this well-matched field.
The stakes action on Saturday also includes the G3 $150,000 Suwanee River Stakes for fillies and mares.
Handiapping Gulfstream
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