Slam Dunk Racing's Drain the Clock is set to make a greatly anticipated return to action Wednesday at Gulfstream Park West, where the son of Maclean's Music will likely be a heavy favorite in the featured optional claiming allowance for 2-year-olds.
The Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained colt debuted in a Sept. 12 off-the-turf maiden special weight race at Gulfstream Park, where he sprinted to the lead from his rail post position, shook off mild pressure and drew away to score by six lengths. The son of Maclean's Music ran five furlongs in slop in 58.73 seconds as the 8-5 favorite.
“He's a horse who, early on, showed a lot of promise. We thought we'd get him started on the turf. He trained well enough on dirt also, but we thought the turf would be easier fitness-wise to get him started in,” Joseph said. “He won nicely that day on the slop and we decided to keep him on the dirt and see where he stacks up. It's a nice spot, hopefully, to make a next move forward.”
Omaha City, who finished third, went on to graduate next time out in the Hollywood Beach Stakes on turf.
“Our horses, we don't press them to win first time out. If they win first time out, like him, that means they're just much better than the competition,” Joseph said. “You'd expect him to improve off that run. He's trained well. He had a nice five-eighths workout last week. He's going an extra furlong, but it doesn't seem like it should be an issue.”
Samy Camacho picks up the mount from leading rider Edgard Zayas, whose wife is scheduled to give birth to their second daughter Wednesday.
Joseph is also scheduled to saddle Don and Rebecca Ming's Worlds On High, another recent debut winner, in Wednesday's feature. The son of Shanghai Bobby captured a $50,000 maiden claiming race by 2 ¼ lengths under returning Alberto Burgos.
“He won nicely that day. Ideally, I would have liked to run him in a starter allowance, but there hasn't been one,” Joseph said. “I don't think he has the class of Drain the Clock, but again, you would think he'd improve second time out. It'll be interesting to see how he fits this time.”
Kathleen O'Connell-trained The Distractor, who also graduated against $50,000 claiming maidens while winning his debut by 7 ½ lengths at Gulfstream Park West Oct. 11, is also entered in the field of six juveniles.
Wednesday's feature is carded as Race 6 and will be included in the 20-cent Rainbow 6 sequence, which will span Races 4-9. The Rainbow 6 will have a guaranteed pool of $125,000.
The post Flashy 2-Year-Old Drain The Clock Making ‘Next Move Forward’ In Wednesday Allowance appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
