One Fast Dream Race Overview

One Fast Dream returns to the grass in Gulfstream Park’s 4th race on Friday afternoon. Scheduled post time is 1:38 p.m. ET. Race financials can be viewed here.

The 3-year-old colt has shown glimpses of talent in his races, but has yet to put it all together. We took a little bit of a gamble trying the dirt most recently, but it was a quick lesson and the Casse team feels we’ll see a better performance returning back to what we now believe is his preferred surface.

This is a competitive spot, but also a wide-open event. The three logical morning-line choices, #9 Scramble, #11 Expect More and #12 Ganado, all have vulnerabilities. The most intriguing part of this race which plays into One Fast Dream’s favor is the lack of pace. Based on the early foot he showed last time out, we would expect him to have a presence early as long as he breaks cleanly. He will be piloted by Emisael Jaramillo, a solid gate rider, for the first time. #10 Carlin Clan looks to be the speed of the speed among those who have run, and One Fast Dream could sit a great stalking trip while saving ground (we of course don’t know how much speed the firsters possess). He is 20-1 on the morning line and will need to turn his current form around, but this race should tell us a lot.

About the competition (click here for the race past performances):

#1 Ghost Coast (20-1): Drew a tough post on debut and ran evenly in an off the turfer. Now goes from the far outside to the rail, and will at least have the shortest way around. Fairly pricey runner has some pedigree and a right to be better than he showed first out.

#3 Jeby (8-1): Was a solid runner-up in his second career start while overcoming a wide trip. Receives Lasix for the first time. Wouldn’t count this one out.

#4 Operation Torch (12-1): Full sibling to these connections’ Grade I winner Civil Union. That one was a winner on debut going a route of ground on the turf. Have to respect this one despite Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey’s reputation for patience.

#5 Exude (12-1): The first of two Bill Mott firsters. Not necessarily bred for the turf ,as both sire and dam made all starts on the dirt. Hard to question another the Hall of Fame trainer, but leaning towards watching this well-bred son of Tapit on debut.

#6 Covet (8-1): Bill Mott’s second first timer, who also doesn’t scream turf on paper, did have a bullet work over the grass at Payson Park, covering five furlongs in 1:00.20. Did cost some money as a juvenile.

#7 Equal Protection (15-1): Pricey yearling purchase has been unsuccessful on the dirt in two career starts. Lacks speed, and while you have to respect the connections, this is a hard one to support. Given he’s trained by Chad Brown, you’d think he would’ve ended up on the grass sooner than this if they thought that’s what he really wanted.

#8 Muttawid (6-1): Faced One Fast Dream back on Jan. 7 when he came flying home for third. Getting back to the turf and any added distance should be a benefit. Note Pletcher’s main Gulfstream rider Luis Saez rides his other entry Expect More.

#9 Scramble (3-1): This son of Gleneagles has done just about everything but win in his four career starts. He is ultra consistent and must be respected. From a numbers standpoint, he is the horse to beat.

#10 Carlin Clan (20-1): Makes his second start off of a layoff for Robert Falcone Jr. Looks to be the pacesetter in this race, but It will be a question if he can sustain his run late.

#11 Expect More (7-2): The only horse in the field to actually cross the finish like first before being disqualified back on Dec. 31. Has a clear issue from the gate, never breaking cleanly once in his three starts. Still a major contender if he can behave himself.

#12 Ganado (6-1): The lethal combination of Chad Brown and Irad Ortiz Jr. know their way to the winners’ circle. Ran very respectable on debut at Tampa, but the waters are probably deeper here. The winner of his debut returned to finish fourth (beaten 10 lengths) in a first-level allowance at Tampa. Will have to overcome a tough post in addition.