Distance will separate contenders from pretenders in allowance

Finding the horses who have the ability to stay a mile and one-half will be the key to unlocking the mystery that is Wednesday’s $52,000 allowance feature at Gulfstream Park. The race will be decided on the turf and drew a field of 11 fillies and mares with various degrees of long-distance experience.

Only Whatdoesasharksay has ever started at 1 1/2 miles, having finished an even fifth under similar conditions here nearly a year ago. Both she and She Throws Heat went 1 7/16 miles on Jan. 14, with She Throws Heat finishing third as the 9-5 favorite and Whatdoesasharksay another length farther back in fourth behind race winner Crystalle.