Gulfstream optional claimer draws interest

Friday's

9TH race at Gulfstream Park, a 1 1/8-mile optional claiming event for

three-year-olds, is one to watch. There are a number of promising types in the

eight-horse field who could find their way into Kentucky Derby prep events.

Trainers Chad Brown, Shug McGaughey and Todd Pletcher will all be represented

by last-out maiden winners.

Brown sends out Cousin Stephen, who exits a 7 1/2-length maiden romp at

Aqueduct on November 7 at 1 1/8 miles. A son of Proud Citizen, the bay colt

retains the services of Javier Castellano in his third career outing.

McGaughey, who earned his first Kentucky Derby victory in 2013 by virtue of

Orb, has a hot prospect in Top Billing, who netted a 119 BRIS Late Pace rating

when rallying boldly from off the pace to capture his career debut by 5 1/4

lengths at Laurel Park on December 6. By Curlin, the chestnut colt is out of the

multiple Grade 3-winning A.P. Indy mare Parade Queen. That makes Top Billing a

half-sister to Grade 3 winner Untouched Talent, the dam of 2012 Kentucky Derby

and Preakness runner-up Bodemeister.

Joel Rosario picks up the mount on Top Billing.

The well-regarded Commissioner will make a highly-anticipated return to

action for Pletcher. From the last crop of the great A.P. Indy, the twice-raced

bay colt will make his first start since taking a 1 1/8-mile maiden special

weight at Saratoga on August 28. Jose Lezcano replaces the injured John

Velazquez.

Pletcher has another live contender in Ichiban Warrior. Runner-up in the

October 27 Street Sense, the First Samurai colt exits a 5 1/2-length romp over

starter allowance rivals at Churchill Downs on November 29. Julien Leparoux will

be back in the saddle.

Hy Kodiak Warrior exits a pair of strong showing versus allowance foes at

Gulfstream Park and adds further depth to the field along with Solemnly Swear, a

good-looking maiden winner at Monmouth Park two starts back.

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