War Pass returns in Gulfstream allowance

Unbeaten juvenile champion WAR PASS (Cherokee Run), a smashing 4 3/4-length winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), will make his first start on the path to this year's Kentucky Derby (G1) in an allowance at Gulfstream Park on Sunday. The Robert LaPenta colorbearer will face five unheralded rivals in the one-mile, one-turn event, which is carded as the 10TH race on Fountain of Youth Day.

War Pass has yet to be seriously tested while winning his four career starts in wire-to-wire fashion. The Nick Zito runner broke his maiden by 2 3/4 lengths at Saratoga and captured an allowance/optional claiming race by 5 1/2 lengths four weeks later. War Pass posted a 1 1/2-length decision when making his stakes debut in the Champagne S. (G1) at Belmont Park, and wrapped up his perfect juvenile season with a romp in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile over the sloppy track at Monmouth Park.

Pyro (Pulpit), who opened his sophomore season with an impressive score in the Risen Star S. (G3) at Fair Grounds, finished a non-threatening second to War Pass in both the Champagne and Juvenile.

Three of War Pass' opponents on Sunday are exiting claiming races, and another was seen taking a maiden claimer two starts back. Stablemate WEB GEM (Fusaichi Pegasus), unplaced in his last two attempts versus allowance rivals, is the only challenger without claiming experience.

Regular rider Cornelio Velasquez will guide War Pass from post 5. The dark bay colt will carry 118 pounds.