Last years Grade I BC Fillies & Mares Turf winner Free Sunset is still searching for her first victory, but it wont be this Friday as she becomes a late scratch for this event. Open event now for nine other competitors.

• The Orchid- Grade III Stakes
• Gulfstream Park Mile and Three Eights Turf course
• Purse $100.000  For Fillies And Mares Four Years Old And Upward.

After fourteen straight seasons of the Gr. III The Orchid taking place here at Gulfstream, last season was a wash as the event was absent from competition. The event was shortened in 2016 to its current distance after being a twelve furlong event for years. Axeman’s Volare won both the last two events, so will someone be able to topple her 2:12.70 record.

Maggie Greene went to a front riding style in her most recent Gr. III The Very One being beat by a neck at the wire, but finished ahead of Free Sunset, after that four year old finished ahead in the two earlier events. Would have been nice to see these two duel once again, but will have to wait till future events.

Here’s a look at the complete field;

1. Midnight Sneaking ( Invicta Group Llc ) Jockey Zayas E J – After competing over the dirt in eleven previous tries, the switch to the grass has paid dividend with two victories. One in the $75 Krantz Memorial, the other in a OpClm80 race. Both were in route events, and both were come from behind wins. Two recent works at the Fort look very promising, but is the competition too tough?

2. Miz Snakie Queen (Maxmillion Farm ) Jockey Jimenez A – Making a big jump in class for her opener of the season, closed out last year over a soft Fairground course winning an Alw43. She was some eleven lengths back in that one, closing to win by two at the wire. Rider was aboard for the Gr.III Violet last season, but after leading early, faded to finish seventh. Jockey instructions will be the key.

3.Sandset ( Team 7 Illusions ) Jockey Wilson E J – Has been struggling to find the winners enclosure in her past nine affairs after winning the Gr. III Edgewood back in May. Its not because she has lost an edge, as she has been competing in major events, all Graded, four being Gr. I races. Should be able to grab a share today, but keep your eyes peeled for a late rider change, as Wilson is 0 for 11 on the grass.

4. Sovereign Nation ( Paradise Stable ) Jockey Albarado R J – The elder at 6 in this field of four year olds, will be looking to get back to Gr. III Dowager form, a race where she finished ahead of two time winner of this event Volare with a victory. If Albarado gets to the rail early enough, she will just have to hold off the late closers. All depends on position at turn for home.

5. Not Bored Now ( Gdp Inc ) Jockey Hernandez B J Jr – Trainer is having some success this season with100 plus wins so far in the first quarter. This four year old broke her maiden in her first try on the turf, and has added two more career wins over that surface. Uphill battle here against this level of competition, but will be a learning experience for sure. I’ll focus elsewhere as she still needs experience.

6. Lake Wendingo ( Night Rider Stables ) Jockey Castellano J J – One of two entries today who have career earnings over $1200.000 plus. Closed out last season winning the Gr.III Comley after capturing the Gr. I Alabama last summer. In her opener, she finished seventh in the Gr.III Bayakoa with a closing effort to within two, and the add distance today will be to her liking. Factor.

7. Millinneal ( Mb Stables ) Jockey Gaffalione T – This trainer and jockey have been know to have success together, but it will be the first time aboard this filly. Has six wins in eighteen starts, with two of them coming at the Grade II level last year. She seems to like to be in the hunt early an that brings home wins. First timegoing this distance, and the switch back to the green may help.

8. Maggie Greene ( The Sidley Stud ) Jockey Velazquez J R – Missed by a neck in her most recent Gr. III The Very One, a race she looked like she had down the lane till an outside runner came a calling. Rider has returned to battle once again, an will definitely be paying attention this time. Her 98 speed figure in that most recent should put her as top choice here.

10. Fast Girl Gaviota ( Establo Pichon ) Jockey Ortiz J L – Moves into the 9 post position with early scratch. Attempted the Gr. III La Prevoyante Hdcp. in her season opener, and while remaining in the hunt for the first ten furlongs, she faded late. This should be a firm track and that will be to her liking. So stiff runners to contend with here, but could grab a minor share.

Summary– Really like the chances of Maggie Greene to come out on top today, but she will have to fend off the likes of Lake Wendigo charging late, and what kind of pace she will see from Millinneal. For an outsider, Midnight Sneaking has found a love for the grass an could surprise.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES