Gulfstream Park Race 12
5 - Irish War Cry
With the Kentucky Derby coming up in May, the derby talk is heating up entering Saturday's Grade II Holy Bull Stakes. All eyes will be on Breeders' Cup champion Classic Empire, which will open the door for a mild upset with Irish War Cry. The three-year-old is certainly stepping up today in class from Laurel Park, but enters this race unbeaten while showing great versatility in both victories. The colt rallied from far behind to break his maiden and then last time out took the field gate-to-wire in the Marylander Stakes. Irish War Cry should love the route game with Curlin in his family tree, as he is making his first start around two turns, and what makes him a top play is the projected flow of the race. The main contenders signed on in this stakes race are not ones to be on the lead, which should make for an easy trip for the youngster to stretch his legs and get brave while out front turning for home under jockey Joel Rosario. Look for Irish War Cry to get the trip and a surprise first run on the field in the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park Saturday afternoon.