US expert Tom Collins expects smart filly to score again at Gulfstream Park

Born To Groove
6.52 Tampa Bay Downs
1pt win

Soul Of The Hero
8.55 Tampa Bay Downs
1pt win

Four Grands
9.41 Gulfstream Park
2pts win

Three-year-old fillies are set to take centre stage on Friday in the headlining $46,000 allowance optional claimer (9.41) at Gulfstream Park, with the similarly named Four Grands and Four Graces likely to go toe-to-toe in a bid to retain their unbeaten records. Make sure you are careful with your bets as it will be easy to confuse the pair.

Not much separates them on speed figures and they both boast exciting profiles with one success to their name from as many starts, but Four Graces clearly had the run of the race on her debut at this track (drawn in stall one, led on the inside, railed tightly and drew clear), whereas there was more to like about the success of Four Grands.

Trained by Dale Romans and running in the colours of Albaugh Family Stables, Four Grands was heavily backed on her debut over six furlongs here a month ago but had to endure a three-wide trip under Luis Saez, covering more ground than her chief market rivals and pace duellers.

However, Saez got her in high gear as they turned for home and she loomed up large and cleared away instantly in the style of a useful performer.

Saez didn't need to keep her up to her work late on and eased her down to an easy six-length win. She hit the line powerfully, so you have to think a mile will suit, and her pedigree backs that up as she is by Whitney Stakes winner Honor Code.

Although Four Grands has plenty of early pace, there are others who will go forward so I would be surprised if she found herself on the front end. A stalking trip may prove more advantageous anyway.

Racing continues at Tampa Bay Downs and it is wise to stick to horses ridden by either Samy Camacho or Antonio Gallardo as the duo remain in red-hot form. Both should get on the scoreboard again.

Gallardo led the title race by seven (90 winners compared to Camacho's 83) heading into Thursday's meet and he can extend his lead further, albeit for a short period of time, when he partners Born To Groove in the $10,350 maiden claimer (6.52) for top trainer Kathleen O'Connell.

One of the most unexposed runners in the field for this mile turf contest, Born To Groove has improved for each of her four starts and has bumped into some talented sorts for the grade on her last couple of outings – none more so than when she finished third on her penultimate start over 40 yards further than this on the dirt.

Born To Groove was bumped at the start but showed bright speed to duel with subsequent winner Goneasagirlcanget before both were caught late.

Goneasagirlcanget won easily earlier in the week, so the form looks useful, especially given what happened at the break.

She is drawn wide in gate ten but has the necessary speed to get across into a prominent position, and the fact she is switching to turf could help her get off the mark.

Camacho's best chance comes on Soul Of The Hero in the $12,600 claimer (8.55), despite his five-year-old mount's record of just 1-17.

This race is for horses who have never won twice or more, so he is taking a big drop in grade having competed in more competitive contests over the last 12 months, including allowance races here and at Keeneland in the early part of last year.

He has had a bit of a lean spell since but ran with plenty of encouragement when second on his penultimate outing and is now back on turf after several starts on dirt.

His sole success came over this course and distance and hopes are high that he can repeat the feat, with a good draw and Camacho's presence indicating that trainer Gerald Bennett is hoping today will be the day.

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