Big Scott Daddy finally gets on turf in Singletary Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – Big Scott Daddy has been considered a prospect for turf races since he won a maiden special weight sprint on dirt Dec. 26.

Two losses on sealed and sloppy tracks in January and early March did not advance his career. With improved weather this spring, Big Scott Daddy will finally make his turf debut in Sunday’s $100,000 Singletary Stakes for 3-year-olds at a mile at Santa Anita.

This is the opportunity owners Slugo Racing and Paymaster Racing and trainer Mike Puype have waited for.

“I know he’s got quality,” Puype said. “We haven’t been able to find out about it because of the weather.”

The Singletary is the start of a program of expected turf starts for Big Scott Daddy through the spring and summer when the Southern California circuit emphasizes racing on the surface for 3-year-olds.

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Puype is not alone in his thinking. The Singletary Stakes field drew Rijeka and Shining Through, who were separated by a nose in an allowance race with an $80,000 claiming option on turf April 4; the Irish import Jasikan; and King of Speed, who won two turf stakes for 2-year-olds last summer and fall.

KEY CONTENDERS

Big Scott Daddy, by Scat Daddy

Last 3 Beyers: 63-78-79

◗ Big Scott Daddy finished fourth, beaten 12 lengths, as the 9-10 favorite in the Pasadena Stakes at a mile here on March 2, a race originally scheduled for turf. Mike Smith was aboard Big Scott Daddy, who faded from contention through the stretch.

“Mike said he wasn’t happy with the mud,” Puype said. “We gave him a chance to regroup. He looks good and is training good.”

◗ Aaron Gryder will ride Big Scott Daddy for the first time in the Singletary. Smith is not riding on Sunday.

◗ Big Scott Daddy seems best as a stalker.

“We want to see more and we believe we’ll see more,” Puype said.

Rijeka, by Roderic O’Connor

Last 3 Beyers: 73-68-77

◗ Rijeka made his first start in Ireland, then came to the U.S. and won his first start in this country last August at Del Mar. He lost five starts before holding off a late threat from Shining Through on April 4. That was Rijeka’s first race as a gelding and the first time he was not fitted with blinkers in this country.

“He decided he wanted to win,” trainer Richard Baltas said. “You think he would improve off that race. He seems like a new horse and has a different attitude.”

Neptune’s Storm, by Stormy Atlantic

Last 3 Beyers: 69-76-75

◗ Neptune’s Storm was second in the Pasadena Stakes, beaten eight lengths by Stubbins, in his final start for trainer William Morey, who has disbanded his stable at Santa Anita in the wake of an alleged medication violation.

◗ Neptune’s Storm, now trained by Richard Baltas, has won twice on this turf course.

“He seems to be doing better and better,” Baltas said.