2021 Turf Sprint Stakes Quick Picks
The $1 million Turf Sprint Stakes (G3) at Kentucky Downs drew an oversubscribed field of older horses who will race six furlongs. The winner earns a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) at Del Mar on November 6.
Carded as race 8 of 11, the Turf Sprint Stakes post time on Saturday is 5:09 PM EST.
Let’s review the most likely runners to hit the board.
#9 Got Stormy (9-2)
Got Stormy won the Ladies’ Turf Sprint here last year after finishing second against the boys in the Fourstardave (G1). This year she’s taking a similar path and won the Fourstardave convincingly over Turf Sprint rival Casa Creed. Win Contender.
#7 Casa Creed (7-2)
Got Stormy got the best of Casa Creed two out of the three times they’ve met. In June, his sole victory over the mare was in the six-furlong Jaipur Stakes (G1), but the mare’s jockey lost the crop during the stretch drive. However, the Bill Mott trainee has finished out of the money only once this season, and he’ll be closing powerfully in the stretch. Win Contender.
#2 Fast Boat (10-1)
Fast Boat has won three of four starts this season, including the Troy Stakes (G3) over Gear Jockey. The Joe Sharp trainee has one of the highest late pace Brisnet figures in the field, and the meet’s leading rider Joel Rosario is winning at 38%. Win Contender.
#10 Gear Jockey (10-1)
Gear Jockey has run seven times this year, missing the board only once. In his last start, he made a six-wide move to miss the winner Fast Boat by 1 1/2 lengths. However, that was at 5 1/2 furlongs, and Gear Jockey should enjoy the extra distance. Plus, the Rusty Arnold trainee is making his third start off the layoff and has improving speed figures. Win Contender.
#5 Born Great (15-1)
Born Great missed track record by one-fifth of a second in the 5 1/2 furlong Preview Turf Sprint at Ellis Park last time out. The Brendan Walsh trainee has been in the money in seven of nine lifetime races. Another plus is that Born Great won twice at Kentucky Downs last year at 6 1/2 furlongs. Live longshot.
#8 Siem Riep (20-1)
Siem Riep was third in the Preview Turf Sprint, beaten 1 1/2 lengths by Born Great, which means he missed the track record by less than two-fifths of a second. The Terry Brennan trainee has finished second in all three starts this year, missing twice by a head. His form is improving. Live longshot.
#12 Imprimis (12-1)
Imprimis won or placed in his first three starts of the season. After a brief freshening, the Joe Orseno trainee returned to finish fourth, beaten 3 1/2 lengths behind Fast Boat in the Preview Turf Sprint. Imprimis tuned up with a pre-race bullet work to defend his Turf Sprint Stakes title. Exotics.
2021 Turf Sprint Stakes Analysis
The Turf Sprint is a contentious race, and several in here have a logical chance.
Got Stormy and Cassa Creed are the class of the field. The mare can stalk the pace and get the jump on the one-run closers.
- #9 Got Stormy (9-2)
- #2 Fast Boat (10-1)
- #7 Casa Creed (7-2)
- #5 Born Great (15-1)
