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Sod Speedsters After Big Prize in TS Turf Sprint

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5/6/2022

  7  CD     TS Turf Sprint (GII)

    $500.000    3yo&Up    5 1/2f  Turf       3yo 118lbs  Older 124lbs

To the turf course we go and we turn our attention to the speedsters as a full field of twelve are set to go five and a half furlongs in the TS Turf Sprint (GII).  One of the defending champs, as we had a DH last year, is in the field as Kid Commander looks to defend the belt in this battle royal…  but, I went with Roman Rage as the top selection and there could be more heart than head in that pick.  I like the 8yo a lot and you just don’t see many at this age still running with the best of the best.  Seventeen wins from fifty-six lifetime starts… he gets my nod.  I’ll give Rising King a serious look today, and although he hasn’t won from his two seasonal starts, he just looks like a horse that is ready to get the job done.  He got left in the gate on BC Day and again in that downhill stakes, but looked sharper last out, and I think he may be sitting on go. 

This is a find field of speedsters, so let’s go get a spot on the rail and see how it plays out.  

Here’s the Field –

1
   Sniper    Avenue Z    Baird E T   124   10/1

He’s quick and loves the sod, no doubt about either of those things.  Kicked off the year with a nice win in the Hernandez Stakes (GIII) then was eighth in the San Simeon (GIII), both on the SA downhill course.  Then won the Sensational Star down the hill, beating Cal-bred stakes company.  I think you have to give him a look here. 

2
   Shakespearean    Mb Stables    Gutierrez Mario   124   7/1

About as solid as they come, as he just churns out cash like an ATM machine.  4/3/3 in ten starts, and he just missed in the Turf Dash at TAM, only to come back and win the Silks Run on the GP sod.  He can haul the mail. 

3
   Rising King    Maxmillion Farm    Gonzalez Ru   124   4/1

Super solid turf sprinter that was second in the BC Turf Sprint (GI) last fall, but ran a dud when last of ten in the Hernandez (GII) on the SA downhill.  Bounced back to be third (DH) in the GP Turf Sprint, and he was flying home late in that one.  He should be a factor today. 

4
   Distant Volcano    Team 7 Illusions    Gaffalione T   118   8/1

Had his three race win streak broken facing the big boys for the first time, but had nothing to be ashamed of when fourth in the Shaker (GII) over the KEE sod.  He’s a lightly raced 3yo with only seven starts, and I think he’s a horse that will be a star before it’s all said and done.

5
   Scafati    Smokey Stover    Cedillo A   124   6/1

Last year’s BC Turf Spring (GI) champ was sold after that runner-up performance in the Hernandez (GII) and has been on the board in both starts for the new conditioner.  Third in the Turf Dash at TAM then a length back when second in the Costa Rising at FG, facing LA-bred speedsters.  He can run and is very very dangerous. 

6
   Kid Commander    Allinthegate    Velazquez J R   124   9/2

The defending champ of this race keep printing money like the Treasury Dept., and is 1/1/0 in three starts this season winning the Kenner at FG, then was second (DH) in the Kilroe Mile before running fourth only beaten a length in the Makers Mark Mile (GI) at KEE.  He’s all class and deserves serious consideration.

7
   Pride In The Ride    Asgar    Jaramillo E   118   9/5

Another speedy sophomer that looks for a weight break and he’s won all three of his ’22 starts, taking the Baffle on the SA downhill, then beating OptAlw types before taking the Palisades at KEE last out.  You have to think he will be right there when they turn for home. 

8
   Sharkamaulu    Arindel    Rocco J S Jr   118   5/1

He’s still looking for his first win of the ’22 season but was close when second a nose in the Dania Beach at GP and third beaten a length in the Shaker (GII) at KEE in his most recent trip to the gate.  Sprinting is his game, but this is a tough spot.  

9
   Wally    Royalty Stables    Hernandez C J   118   6/1

Only five starts for this one and the sophomore has been tough in every race… but for… his only graded effort.  He was tenth in the Lewis Stakes (GIII) but that was at a mile and a sixteen, so give him a bit of a break as grass and sprinting seems to be more to his liking.

10
   Roman Rage    Gdp Inc    Maldonado E   124   7/2

Another looking for his first win of the season but just missed in the Colonel Power Stakes at FG where he missed by a nose at today’s distance.  Tired to be fifth in the Silks Run at GP last out, so he needs to bounce back big or it could be a long day at the office. 

11
   Mystery    Fractious    Centeno D E   124   6/1

Stable mates are next to each other and this one has been tough in ’22, winning the GP Turf Sprint (GIII) closing like a motorcycle that afternoon, then doing the same to be second beaten a half length in the Silks Run in his most recent trip to the gate… he can fly if he gets a clear path late. 

12
   Street Interest    Fractious    Franco M   124   7/1

The second half of the Fractious couple is still looking for his first win of the season and was fourth in the Colonel Power, then sixth in the Lure Stakes.. both only beaten a length, but he’s going to have to find more if he wants to be in the money here. 

COZMAN   10 / 3              Willie’s Green Card       1 / 11 / 6               

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Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES