Storm Flag Flying Will Launch Her Comeback

A former champion will make her first start as a 4-year-old in today’s eighth race at Gulfstream Park.

Storm Flag Flying, who went unbeaten in 2002, including Grade I victories in the Matron, Fritzette and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, will make her comeback in a $46,000 optional claimer at a mile and 70 yards.

Owned by Ogden Mills Phipps and trained by Shug McGaughey, the daughter of Storm Cat ran twice in 2003 before being sidelined because of an injury to one of her hind legs. Storm Flag Flying was a distant second as the 1-5 favorite in the Comely at Aqueduct on April 18, then finished sixth of seven as the 17-10 choice in the Acorn on June 6.

Breaking from the outside in the field of seven, Storm Flag Flying will be ridden today by regular jockey John Velazquez.

Her opponents, from the inside out, are five-time winner Doc’s Doll, Gentille Alouette, Redoubled Miss, Saintly Action, Keiai Sakura and Artist Johanna.

Race of the day: Heavenly Humor, a talented 3-year-old Distorted Humor filly, will try for her third win in four starts in today’s seventh at Golden Gate Fields. Kevin Radke, the meet’s leading rider, has the mount for part owner and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer in the $33,600 optional claimer at six furlongs.

One for the road: Calcite adds Lasix and takes a drop in class in her second start for trainer William White in today’s seventh at Gulfstream Park. The barn has a good record with second-time starters, and the daughter of Captain Bodgit doesn’t have much to beat in the $45,000 maiden claimer at seven furlongs. Eibar Coa will ride.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Go Wild in the fifth, Forlaan, Foreign Accent and Kolob in the sixth, Cyber Slew and Spirit Of Nature in the seventh and Tidy Step, Dominated Girl, Magnificent Sunset and Garland Of Love in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/136. Money: Previous day/meet total: $4.60/$737.60. Total money bet: $772.