by Richard Migliore
November 1, 2017
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SHORT, BUT SWEET
by Richard Migliore XBTV.com
ANALYSIS: With the Turf Sprint being run at five furlongs due to the configuration of Del Mar – as opposed to the six and one-half furlongs on the Santa Anita downhill course – it becomes a very different race. Closers and horses turning back in distance may have had an edge over the Arcadia, CA, layout, but true speed horses will excel at five furlongs.
MAIN CONTENDERS: LADY AURELIA is a superior sprinter winning stakes at Keeneland (United States), Ascot (Great Britain) and Deauville (France). She usually breaks fast and is in the first flight of horses. PURE SENSATION benefits most from the distance change, though was third in this race last year down the hill at Santa Anita. Trainer Christophe Clement has publicly stated that PURE SENSATION possesses the most natural speed of any horse he’s ever trained. The other Clement trainee DISCO PARTNER is a closer that holds the world record for six furlongs on the turf. Five furlongs may be a bit short for him. MARSHA nosed out LADY AURELIA in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York in August, but may be at a disadvantage on American soil.
VALUE PLAYS: PURE SENSATION may not get the respect he deserves and could be somewhat overlooked in the wagering.
WAGERING STRATEGY ($100):
MY PICKS: