Banker Bob, Z Smoking Gun meet in Front Range Stakes
Banker Bob and Z Smoking Gun might have a tactical advantage Monday in the $35,000 Front Range Stakes at Arapahoe Park. Both horses are quick and appear to have more natural speed than most of their rivals. Banker Bob has used his turn of foot to win five of his last six starts, while Z Smoking Gun set the pace to the late stages in the recent Arapahoe Park Sprint.
The Front Range, for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs, drew a field of nine. Others set to start include Wally Van, an eight-time stakes winner, and Come Away Home, who earlier this year was based at Golden Gate Fields.
Front Range (Race 8)
KEY CONTENDERS
Banker Bob, by Mr. Gehrig
Last 3 Beyers: 71-71-66
◗ The former $3,200 claiming horse won the first stakes race of his career last month in the $42,000 Aspen at Arapahoe. He tracked the pace for a one-length score and could get the same kind of trip Monday, settling just off Z Smoking Gun and perhaps Dewey.
◗ Banker Bob is moving back into open company following the Aspen win against Colorado-breds but boasts a 6-for-22 record at his home track of Arapahoe.
◗ Alfredo Triana Jr. has the mount from post No. 8 for Mason King and trainer Juan Ortega.
Z Smoking Gun, by Zensational
Last 3 Beyers: 72-62-29
◗ He owns the field’s best last-race Beyer Speed Figure, earned for his runner-up finish in the $35,000 Arapahoe Park Sprint. The five-furlong race was Z Smoking Gun’s first start since August, and after taking the field through an opening half-mile in 45 seconds, he finished 1 1/4 lengths behind winner Surf N Ski, who does not return for the Front Range.
◗ Z Smoking Gun won last year’s Inaugural Stakes at Arapahoe at the same distance of the Front Range.
◗ Dennis Collins has the mount from post No. 7 for K Bar K Enterprises and trainer Kerry Kemper.