Got Stormy and Casa Creed renew rivalry in Turf Sprint Stakes
By: John Caro, ThoroFan Handicapper
The $1 million Turf Sprint Stakes (G3) at Kentucky Downs drew an oversubscribed field of 13 older horses who will race six furlongs. The winner earns a spot in the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) at Del Mar on November 6.
A couple of quick notes: I don’t think there is any race in the country that has a $1M purse for a Grade III. Lucky in Kentucky.
Make it a point to go sometime in your racing experience to visit the Dueling Grounds, as it may not have all the glamour of the big tracks, but they do have some of the most exciting and richest racing in the country.
One last thing; I guess Joel Rosario had an epiphany on the way there as he won 10 in the first two days but has since slowed down to just 3 wins in the last two days.
Kentucky Downs, better known as the Dueling Grounds, is very unique in its layout and falling and rising terrain. The final stretch is about a three-story climb to the finish. So when you see a short race, you might think high speed and early pace are key to winning horses. They are certainly worth consideration but, think stamina to make that final climb up an undulating stretch to the wire.
Top Picks are the ones who have been in key races and top form coming in. Here is the list:
#2 Fast Boat – Sharp/Rosario – 10 for 28, won last out at Saratoga G3, bullet work going in, has won here before, if he gets the closing kick, he is a great bet at his ML odds.
#4 Gear Jockey – Arnold/Lezcano – Was one and a half behind Fast Boat last out after getting out slow. Lezcano is a very savvy turf rider, and the horse has the blood for stamina. Another with good odds.
#5 Born Great – Walsh/Beschizza – I wouldn’t pass this one up. The time for his last race defies the speed posted. Missed track record by one-fifth. Not a lot of horses can get 5.5 furlongs in a minute. Whew that’s fast. ITM 7 of his 9-lifetime races. At 15-1 morning line, he has to be considered. Oh yeah, he won twice here last year, going 6.5. As a single bet, put win money, one and a half times as much on a show bet, and exacta him under all.
#7 Casa Creed - Mott/Alvarado – Missed by two lengths against Got Stormy in the Four Star Dave but beat her going six-furlongs in the Jaipur at Belmont. Top class, great connections, can go the distance and can close like a freight train.
#9 Got Stormy – Casse/Gaffalione – As noted above, she’s a winning play.
Others that might be good longshots under in a Trifecta or Super.
#3 Bombard – Mandella/Prat – Has been working longer than most in the field, good record in California, and has had 105 days rest. He appears to be a front-runner, which may not help on this track, and he is not traveled to Kentucky but once (it’s hot up there) and did not have a good trip, but his jockey is at the top of his colony and knows the horse.
#8 Siem Ridp – Brennan/Graham – Might get overlooked because the trainer is not hot, but the horse has done well here and came in third by 1.5 behind Born Great, which means he missed the track record by less than two fifths at Ellis. And he has done well at the Grounds going longer. 20-1 bomber.
The rest are a well-dressed group which I found nothing remarkable about.
Handigambling
I would suggest that you find a way to include all seven of the ones above in a trifecta
7 & 9 win 7,9,2,4,5 place, and 7,9,2,4,5,3,8 show – the cost for the $.50 bet is $15. You can decide how much you want to throw at it.
If you are a longshot player, I’d give some thought to the suggested bet on the #5 Born Great.
$16 to win, $24 to Show, and $4 Exacta All with #5 = $44
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