Part one of a two-turn experiment with EUROEARS (Langfuhr) nearly worked to
perfection in the April 24 Texas Mile (G3), when the swift six-year-old veteran
tired only in the final yards to miss by a neck to Mythical Power (Congaree).
However, after a 13 1/4-length dusting in the subsequent Lone Star Park H. (G3)
over 1 1/16 miles, it will be back to basics for the Bret Calhoun charge in
Friday’s $125,000
Iowa
Sprint H. at Prairie Meadows.
The six-furlong dash is one of three stakes on the evening card, which
precedes Saturday’s lucrative program that includes the Prairie Meadows
Cornhusker H. (G2), Iowa Derby (G3) and Iowa Oaks (G3).
Though a four-time stakes winner, Euroears has yet to notch a significant win
outside Fair Grounds, and will be hard-pressed to make his first visit to the
winner’s circle since the November 26 Thanksgiving H. Favoritism in the Iowa
Sprint will likely fall on ATTA BOY ROY (Tribunal), the upset winner of the
Churchill Downs S. (G2), who validated that form with a solid second in the
Aristides S. (G3). After a poor start, Atta Boy Roy was rushed into contention
by Calvin Borel, but faded late after the early exertion.
CASH REFUND (Petionville), who had just one loss in six starts prior to the
Aristides, was a subpar third as the 6-5 favorite in that race following a wide
trip. An impressive two-time stakes winner at Fair Grounds over the winter, the
gelding is capable of rebounding. Perhaps the one to fear most of all from
Kentucky is MAJESTICPERFECTION (Harlan’s Holiday), a Steve Asmussen-trained colt
who’s notched three straight since a debut third at Fair Grounds in January. His
last two against allowance company have come by margins of 10 3/4 and four
lengths and were awarded BRIS Speed ratings of 107 and 105, respectively.
Horses with local experience make up most of the other major candidates.
Among these are HUMBLE DESTIN (Storm and a Half), EZ DREAMER (In Excess [Ire])
and AMERICAN CLASSIC (Distorted Humor), the top three from the May 22 Prairie
Express S. A wild card is Emerald Downs shipper PEACEFUL REIGN (Liberty Gold),
who is sure to play a role in the expected blistering pace.
Only six fillies and mares were entered for the $100,000
Iowa
Distaff at 1 1/16 miles. Defending champion EUPHONY (Forest Wildcat) hasn’t
won since taking this event last year, though she did show signs of her old form
when third in the Arlington Matron H. (G3) most recently. However, she will have
to fend off the multiple Grade 1-placed WYNNING RIDE (Candy Ride [Arg]), who
missed by less than a length in the Milady H. (G2) at Hollywood Park last time
and in the 2009 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), her penultimate start on dirt.
Others of note are the top three finishers from the course-and-distance Wild
Rose S. CHORAGUS (Harlan’s Holiday) won that May 29 feature by a length over
PATTI’S REGAL SONG (Unbridled’s Song), with HIGHTAP (Tapit) three lengths
farther back. The latter took the Iowa Oaks last year and might fare better if
the pace is stronger Friday night.
Seven fillies and mares will go six furlongs in the $100,000
Saylorville S., which is led by six-time stakes winner PALANKA CITY (Carson
City). The consistent five-year-old showed excellent form at Oaklawn over the
winter and enters off an overnight handicap score at Fairmount Park, operated by
the mare’s owner William Stiritz. SECRET GYPSY (Sea of Secrets), winless since
taking the Distaff H. (G2) in March 2009, was an upset second in the Winning
Colors S. (G3) last time and should receive strong support.
MINDY QUEEN (Indy King) has won nine of 14 lifetime, including the Prairie
Rose S. most recently, while another Emerald invader, NO FLIES ON DOODLE (Storm
Blast), enters on a three-race winning streak. Taking on her elders, and dirt,
for the first time is MISS HEATHER LEE (Trippi), best known for her distant
second-place finish behind Blind Luck (Pollard’s Vision) in the December 20
Hollywood Starlet S. (G1).