Cigar Mile H. (G1) winner LION TAMER (Will’s Way) will defend his crown
against six top-quality sprinters in Saturday’s seven-furlong, $400,000
Commonwealth Breeders’ Cup S. (G2) at Keeneland. Trained by Todd Pletcher, the
chestnut finished second to SIR SHACKLETON (Miswaki) in the Richter Scale
Breeders’ Cup Sprint Championship H. (G2) in his 2005 debut. The latter, trained by Nick Zito,
set a new track record in the seven-furlong Richter Scale at Gulfstream Park and
will break from the rail under a returning Javier Castellano.
Other top contenders in the deep field include CLOCK STOPPER (Gilded Time),
who finished a close third in the Richter Scale. Trained by Dallas Stewart,
Clock Stopper is known for his powerful stretch kick. Jerry Bailey rides.
CAJUN BEAT (Grand Slam), who won the 2003 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), will
represent conditioner Bobby Frankel. Ramon Dominguez, who rode him to victory in
the Hollywood Turf Express H. (G3) last fall, has the mount.
The field for the Commonwealth, from the inside out, with jockeys and
weights, is Sir Shackleton, Javier Castellano, 122; GATORS N BEARS (Stormy
Atlantic), C.C. Lopez, 118; SILVER WAGON (Wagon Limit), Cornelio Velasquez,
118; Cajun Beat, 118; Lion Tamer, John Velazquez, 124; GOLD STORM (Seeking the
Gold), Elvis Perrodin, 120; Clock Stopper, 118.
The Blue Grass Day program also includes the $100,000
Shakertown S. (G3) at 5
1/2 furlongs on the turf. Canadian Horse of the Year SOARING FREE (Smart
Strike), who won this event last year in his seasonal debut, returns to defend
his title.
Other contenders in the 11-horse field include turf sprint specialist MIGHTY
BEAU (Rainbow Prospect), trained by Jeff Mullins, Woodford County S. winner
BATTLE WON (Honour and Glory), Taylor Special H. winner WRZESZCZ (Langfuhr), and
Grade 3 winner HECKLE (Hennessy).