BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Claimed for $50,000 by trainer Horacio De Paz two starts back, Florida-bred Bouncer will try to get the first victory for his new connections in an upper level, $50,000 optional claiming at Laurel Park Friday. Featuring a purse of $56,000, the five-and-a-half-furlong sprint has six 3-year-olds and older.
In his lone start from the De Paz barn, Bouncer was third behind winner Patriot Spirit in an upper level, $75,000 optional claiming going six-and-a-half furlongs at Colonial Downs on Sept. 7. De Paz took him out of a four-and-a-quarter-length victory going six furlongs at Colonial on Aug. 11.
A 4-year-old gelding who races for owner DEA Thoroughbred Racing LLC, Bouncer is by Ocala Stud stallion Adios Charlie out of Kaiken, by First Samurai and was bred in Florida by Helen C. Alexander. He has won six with a second and two thirds in 15 starts while earning $291,645.
He was a $190,000 purchase by D. J. Stable at the 2022 Ocala Breeders’ Sales June Sale where he was consigned by Ocala Stud.
Angel Cruz will ride Bouncer from the outside post six and they are 9-2 on the morning line.
The 9-5 morning line favorite is No Easy Days for trainer Daniel McKenzie.
No Easy Days is a 4-year-old son of American Freedom who won two straight races in August before finishing fourth in his last race won by Seven’s Eleven against upper level, $55,000 optional claimers going six furlongs on Sept. 7—all at Laurel. He won a first level allowance race going six furlongs on Aug. 3 and a second condition, $40,000 optional claiming going five-and-a-half furlongs on Aug. 16.
No Easy Days is owned by MIH Affiliates LLC and sports a career record of seven wins, six seconds and two thirds in 24 starts with earnings of $253,198.
Javian Toledo will ride from post five.
Rounding out the field are Petingas Twin with jockey Arnaldo Bocachica, Whiskey and You will be ridden by Carlos Lopez, No Cents will have Jaime Rodriguez in the saddle and Swill with J.G. Torrealba riding.