Diaz seeks fourth straight victory in Mecke

IAB Stables’ Diaz is scheduled to seek his fourth straight victory in Sunday’s Mecke Handicap at Gulfstream Park. Trained by Tammy Levy, the 5-year-old Irish-bred gelding was among nine 3-year-olds and older entered Thursday in the 1 1/8-mile overnight handicap.

The late-running Diaz captured a 1 3/8-mile starter handicap at Tampa Bay Downs March 25 before winning a pair of optional claiming allowances at a mile and 1 1/16 miles at Gulfstream Park. Samy Camacho has the mount.

Leading rider Tyler Gaffalione, who was aboard Diaz for his two most recent victories, has opted to ride Get Away Farm’s Two Step Time, who finished third and was placed second in the recent $100,000 Soldier’s Dancer Stakes. The Mike Maker-trained 4-year-old colt is seeking his first win in five starts this year.

Ann D. Scott’s Galleon Mast also is another Soldier’s Dancer starter set to return in the Mecke. The David Fawkes training was closing strongly to enter contention in deep stretch before behind bumped and finishing fourth. The son of Mizzen Mast was placed third via the disqualification of the second-place finisher. C.J. McMahon was named to ride the 4-year-old gelding.

Mark Casse-trained Spring Up, who came off a 10-month layoff to win an optional claiming allowance last time out; Manchurian High, a two-time Sunshine Millions Turf winner entered to make his 2017 debut;  multiple stakes winner Diamond Bachelor, who finished fourth behind Spring Up last time out; Very Very Stella, who finished third in the Smile Sprint (G3) on the main track last Saturday; J R’s Holiday, a deep-closing stakes winner who should appreciate the 1 1/8-mile distance; and Indian Guide, who returns from a 4 ½-month layoff after finishing third in a starter handicap Feb. 20; were also entered in the Mecke.