Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint: Ward trio gets lucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. - With three of the 14 starters in the race, Wesley Ward had to hold his breath a little longer than his fellow horsemen while post positions were being drawn on Monday for the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. But in the end, Ward came out smiling on all fronts, with Undrafted, Green Mask and The Great War all being assigned starting positions he believes will enhance their chances of winning the 5 1/2-furlong dash on the grass Saturday at Keeneland.

Undrafted drew post 3, Green Mask post 7, and The Great War post 10.

Defending champion Bobby’s Kitten was not quite as fortunate as the Ward trio. He’ll have to work out a clean trip from the inside after drawing post 2. He makes just his third start since rallying from last to a half-length triumph down the hill at Santa Anita in the 2014 Turf Sprint.

Ward’s threesome is led by Undrafted, who finished a half-length behind Bobby’s Kitten in last year’s Turf Sprint.

“I’m happy with all the draws,” said Ward. “It really didn’t matter with Undrafted because he’s going to take himself back and come from behind. But being shoved down there on the inside should be perfect for him. And drawing outside a little more is great for the other two, because everyone will be scorching the first part of the race and they should be able to work out a good trip just in behind them.”

Lady Shipman, the only filly in the field, also drew well in post 5 for trainer Kathleen O’Connell. Eduardo Nunez has ridden Lady Shipman to seven of her eight victories, but Irad Ortiz Jr. rides her in the Breeders' Cup. Ortiz guided Lady Shipman to a track-record victory in an overnight stakes this summer at Saratoga.

Pure Sensation and Mongolian Saturday, who finished first and second after contesting the pace throughout in Parx’s Turf Monster, will break from different extremes. Pure Sensation figures to have his hand forced after drawing the rail, while Mongolian Saturday begins his journey on the outside, from post 14.

Due to a communication error, Holy Lute was left on the outside looking in when post positions were drawn for the Turf Sprint. He wound up second on the also-eligible list and needs two defections between now and Saturday to run.

Trainer James Cassidy had originally pre-entered Holy Lute for the Turf Sprint, but he was inadvertently placed in the Sprint instead by Cup officials. The error was rectified once Breeders’ Cup was notified of the mistake. But because the selection committee’s rankings had already been announced, Holy Lute was placed 20th and last on the list for the Turf Sprint.