Maryland-breds Clash In Mister Diz Stakes
Hero’s Reward (9-5), who won this race and the Shakertown Stakes at Keeneland last year, returns for trainer Dale Capuano after four demanding starts in 2010. Turf sprints at Pimlico, Monmouth, Woodbine and Penn have left the Partner’s Hero 8-year-old without a victory since last year’s Mister Diz. Erick Rodriguez is his new rider
“He’s doing just fine,” said Capuano. “He stays pretty much the same all the time. He’s run real well at six furlongs at Woodbine and
Ah Day (3-1), the multiple stakes winner owned by trainer King T. Leatherbury, was fifth in the Mister Diz last year. He finished third in the Grade II General George in February, so his position among this class remains solid. Leatherbury may also saddle Ben’s Cat, if the undefeated speedster draws in from among the also-eligibles.
“Ah Day is amazing because he’s made multiple comebacks and it seems he hasn’t lost a step,” said clocker Kevin Geraghy. “He hasn’t worked on turf, but he looks good and can really turn it on. The jockey’s who work him shake their heads after they come back on him.”
Natural Seven (6-1), second to Hero’s Reward last year, chased him in the Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup Handicap last time out. He beat the Partner’s Hero gelding last year in the Maryland Million Turf Sprint, so trainer Ben Feliciano, Jr. trainee wants to continue the rivalry. Sheldon Russell has the mount.
A win at Presque Isle’s in the Tom Ridge Stakes was Great Love’s (8-1) last big effort. No rider is named on the John Robb trainee.
Celtic Innis (10-1) tries turf for the first time today. An earner of over $600,000, trainer Tim Keefe might be hoping this race is moved to the main track. Luis Garcia returns to ride.
Sandbaggin’ Lover (20-1) seems accustomed to settling for minor awards as he did when he finished third in the Mister Diz last year. He’s added a string of close finishes in 2010 for trainer Bill Campbell. Travis Dunkelberger has the mount.
Baltimore Raven (20-1), a $5,000 claimer on February 10 for
This e-mail, and any documents or data attached hereto, is intended for the intended recipients only. It may contain confidential and/or privileged information and no rights have been waived by the sender. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby NOTIFIED that any dissemination, distribution, retention, archiving or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify me at the telephone number shown above or by return mail and delete this communication and any copy immediately. MID provides no assurances that this e-mail and its attachments are virus free; you are responsible for scanning all e-mails and attachments for viruses. MID disclaims all liability for damages caused by any virus which may be transmitted by this email. Thank you.
