Articulator returns to Phoenix for Luke Kruytbosch Stakes

PHOENIX – When Articulator invaded Turf Paradise for last February’s Phoenix Gold Cup, he was away slowly and unable to make a dent, finishing fifth. The 6-year-old gelded son of Quality Road looks to make his second invasion of the Phoenix track more fruitful as he heads a competitive field in Thursday’s $27,500 Luke Kruytbosch Stakes. The mile event for 4-year-olds and upward, named in honor of track announcer Kruytbosch who died in 2008, drew a field of eight.

After his Phoenix Gold Cup try, Articulator, who races for Stable HMA, went back on the road. He was no factor when sixth in an allowance sprint at Lone Star June 10, but has been sharp since, romping over allowance foes at this trip at Arapahoe July 15, finishing second in the Downs of Albuquerque Handicap Sept. 19, and second again in a tough allowance event at Zia Park Dec. 16. Those last three came routing. Leading rider Luis Negron rides for leading trainer Justin Evans.

Black Ops, an 8-year-old gelded son of Hard Spun owned by John Pinkerton, also runs for Evans in the Luke Kruytbosch. Black Ops won a stakes at Albuquerque in the summer. He was then off for a few months, came back with a couple fourth-place finishes, but looked back on track with an allowance win on this track at this trip Jan. 18. Negron was up that day, but Isaias Enriquez has the call Thursday.

Other contenders include Quincy Express, who continues his strong form with eight top-two finishes in his last nine starts, including a second in a sprint here Jan. 14; Thunder Dome, who invades from New Mexico with two stakes wins in his last three starts; Ramblin’ Man, a romping winner of an allowance sprint here Jan. 7; and Mr Right Now, yet another romping allowance winner here Jan. 4 at this trip.