Seabiscuit BC

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

Seven will enter the gate for Saturday’s $100,000 Deputy Minister H. (G3) at
Gulfstream Park. The 6 1/2-furlong event features Breeder’s Cup Sprint (G1)
runner-up KELA (Numerous), but we’ll try to beat him with FOREST DANGER
(Forestry), who has shown an affinity for Gulfstream, winning both of his prior starts at the Hallandale, Florida, track.

Despite coming off a more than nine-month layoff, the Todd Pletcher charge should be ready to go, having
set bullets in his past two
works. The four-year-old colt could improve off a runner-up finish to MEDALLIST (Touch
Gold) in the Withers S. (G3) last out, where he earned a 110 BRIS Speed rating. Jockey John Velazquez
has the call and is a perfect three-for-three when riding the bay.

Kela comes off a disappointing run in the Vernon O. Underwood S. (G3) in
December, but the Mike Mitchell-conditioned veteran owns excellent closing
speed, which should put him near the top should a speed duel knock out the
front-runners. With the presence of four horses who like to fight
it out up front, the pace should set up well for him. Jorge Chavez has the call.

Medallist exits an impressive performance in the Kenny Noe Jr. H, posting a 4
1/2-length victory over PARADISE DANCER (Langfuhr). His BRIS Late Pace ratings
are strong and he could close into contention for the win as this race nears the wire.
In four starts at Gulfstream, he has posted a mark of 1-1-1. The Allen Jerkins
trainee could fare well in this one with jockey Jose Santos.

NIGHTMARE AFFAIR (Out of Place) has not made it to the winner’s circle
since July, but has posted a series of close seconds since that trip. He has
some late speed and could come home strong for a small share. MISTER FOTIS
(Diligence) makes a drop in distance after a few losing performances in
routes. Since trainer Marty Wolfson dropped him to less than a mile, the chestnut has
picked up two wins in a row, both optional claimers. He now makes a jump in
class, but we won’t count him out for the exotics.

Paradise Dancer posted triple-digit Speed figures in his last two
outings but looks eligible for a bounce here. VOODOO (Petionville) has a hot
jockey in Eibar Coa, who has ridden six winners over the past week, but
otherwise seems outclassed.