Race of the Week: Game Face Stakes at Gulfstream on Saturday

‍The Lead:
Sophomore filly sprinters take center stage Saturday at Gulfstream Park for the $100,000 Game Face Stakes. The 6-furlong sprint goes as Race 10 of 11 and will be included in both the Sunset 6 and Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 wagers paired with sister track Santa Anita.

​​Field Depth:
LENNILU (pictured) is a stakes winner and Group 2-placed. WILLOW CASE also is a stakes winner, while DAKOTA'S LIL AUROR, LOVE LIKE LUCKY and LATE NIGHT TEXT are stakes-placed. LENNILU clearly has kept the strongest schedule in the field.
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Pace:
There's a heavy dose of dash speed, including MAXITAS, CANTON and LOVE LIKE LUCY. LENNILU and LATE NIGHT TEXT won't be far back in what should be a strong pace.
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Our Eyes:
Here are my horse-by-horse notes.

1-MAXITAS: First of 4 Saffie Joseph Jr. trainees in the lineup, this Tampa debut dash winner has plenty of upside. By hot young sire Maxfield, his 5-1/2 furlong debut score was probably a bonus for his pedigree. But the task here from the rail vs. proven other speed is a tougher ask than her debut when even-money from a cush, post 6 of 6 at a shorter trip. Rare pairing for Joseph with Miguel Vazquez.

2-LENNILU: Strictly the filly to beat with a 4-for-4 local record and stakes experience on the biggest stages worldwide from Royal Ascot to the Breeders' Cup. Arguably a touch better on turf than dirt, even if 2-for-2 on the main track, and perhaps 6 furlongs stretches her brilliance beyond her exceptional dash form (but she's won at the trip in her only attempt). Not easy taking a short price on a 3% jockey, but Patrick Biancone gives the call back to Jonathan Ocasio (who was 2-for-2 aboard her last year).

3-WILLOW CASE: October layoff returnee won the Sharp Susan Stakes last summer on a sloppy track. Tough comeback spot for route-bred runner who was built up to distance last year, looking more like a launching pad to her season than the destination. Jockey Diego Herrrera has made a strong transition to Gulfstream.

4-DAKOTA'S LIL AUROR: Most experienced field member has made 13 starts, all local, but has lost 11 straight while completing exotics in 5 in a row. Herbert Miller trainee's consistency is admirable but also indicating there's not a move forward in her to topple the best runners here.

5-CANTON: Fast...but can she last? Daughter of Liam's Map looks to continue a big Saturday run for the sire of Preakness winner Napoleon Solo. She's made the lead in each of her last 3 starts on dirt, but held to score only in the maiden heat - tiring late to third in the pair of allowance bids. Saffie Joseph Jr. wheels her back on 13 days' rest for the shortest interval of her career. Can soften the other speed, but prefer others late.

6-LOVE LIKE LUCY: After 5 straight starts in blinkers, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. removes the hood trying to snap this filly's 6-race losing skid. Nik Juarez takes the mount for the first time, the fifth different jockey to ride her in succession. Her best effort of late came on an off track and with Lasix, which she won't be able to use in Saturday's stakes.

7-LATE NIGHT TEXT: The cut-back in distance and outside post draw should really give the fourth and final Saffie Joseph Jr. entrant some tactical edges in a race with plenty of pace. Joseph's spring/summer go-to pilot Micah Husbands lands here and this Into Mischief filly was vastly improved last out on the barn change from Nolan Ramsey. She was able to run away from a pair of Brad Cox trainees in what's likely a tougher late April maiden special weight than most at Gulfstream.

Most Likely Exotics Contender:
LATE NIGHT TEXT should get a dynamite stalking trip and have every chance as my top choice to upend LENNILU.

Best Longshot Contender:
DAKOTA'S LIL AUROR hangs around the superfecta often at big prices and could bottom the ticket if enough speed backs up in this race.
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Sending it in ($100 bankroll):
$100 win LATE NIGHT TEXT.

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