The MD Sprint Stakes – GIII
5/16/20
PIM Race 10 6F – Dirt
Purse $150.000
Three Year Olds and Up

A field of ten sprinters have been entered up to contest this year’s running of the grade three Maryland Sprint Stakes on the Preakness undercard. A nice big field has been set to go so let’s take a look at the runners.

1. Tyrian (6-2-0-2 $103.440), trained by Mo Mentum Farm

First up is a stakes winner and he earned that stakes win at Keeneland but it was on the turf course. So far that had been his best race so maybe this is his not his preferred surface. Don’t think he stands much of a chance here.

2. Kill Command (17-6-2-3 $407.690), trained by Fractious

A graded stakes winner back during last year but he has definitely slipped out of that form since then. His last start he was beaten in a starter allowance so that does not make him look good. I don’t see him winning this one either.

3. Speedy Kavorka (28-8-5-6 $179.520), trained by Black N Gold Stable

Another horse coming out of a lot of starter races and claiming races far back in his form but his last win was a dominating one at Santa Anita. He ran a very fast time that day and he should be tough if he can repeat that win.

4. Grond (9-1-2-2 $62.520), trained by Mb Stables

Not very often that I look at a horse from this barn and have trouble making a case for it but this is one of those times. The recent form is not good and I just can’t see him coming out on top in any way in this spot.

5. Bodemister (9-3-1-0 $127.600), trained by D J C Racing Stables

Obviously the two turns that he tried to tackle in his last start was not what he wanted to do at all. He did win a statebred stake before that sprinting but this race will be a lot tougher than that. He has a mild chance to win here.

6. Sweep Kiss (12-5-5-1 $63.400), trained by Rousee

A recent claim out of his last start for sixteen bucks and he has also been running strictly on the turf. His last work on the dirt was good but unknown on the surface and class level I just don’t know how he will run.

7. Snakie Authorization (13-4-2-1 $250.000), trained by John Henry

The late running lightly raced five year old here and he almost always uses that late running style no matter the race. He is cutting back in distance and will need a rapid pace up front to fly home late.

8. Vanderbiltt (10-4-1-2 $275.020), trained by La Canada Racehorses

Very strong against the statebred competition is this horse but he has struggled so far against open company. He did win a stake race in his last out but this will be tougher and he’ll have to show some guts to take this.

9. Sparrow Hills (17-6-1-6 $212.940), trained by Arindel

A stakes winner in his career also and he is cutting back to a sprint after a run at a mile in his last start. He definitely seems to be a better sprinter and he will need a good trip with this post to win it.

10. Commanding Jedi (13-6-6-0 $205.300), trained by Delta Farms

Only one finish out of the top two in his career and that was a fifth beaten length way back when. He is so darn consistent and actually won a stake last out. Tough post but I think he can overcome it and win here.

Summary

No standout in here at all but some very honest horses are in this field and it should be a tough contest. My top choice is the ultra consistent outside runner Commanding Jedi. Good luck to all in the field.

10-9-3-7

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES