Brimstoned finds success in altered state

DEL MAR, Calif. – In the first five starts of his career, Brimstoned never could even finish in the money. But a week after that fifth start, he was gelded. Since then, he has raced three times, winning all, and he will try to increase that streak to four on Saturday at Del Mar in race 7, a first-level allowance going one mile.

Brimstoned has been cleverly managed during this winning streak by trainer Ray Bell. Because he beat maidens when in for a $50,000 tag on July 25, Brimstoned was eligible for a starter allowance, which he won while earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 96, 19 points higher than his lifetime best prior to being gelded. Then, because he is a California-bred, Brimstoned was put in a first-level allowance for statebreds, which he also won.

So, on Saturday, Brimstoned finally goes into an open, first-level allowance, with three straight wins to propel him.

“Every time he runs, it’s a little tougher test,” Bell said Thursday at Del Mar.

Bell said the difference in performance for Brimstoned since being gelded is “like night and day.”

“Sometimes it happens, but not always to this degree,” said Bell, who trains Brimstoned for breeders John Bell and Robert Theisen Jr. “He was a little stubborn but nothing we couldn’t have managed. He is more compatible now. But we didn’t geld him because of his attitude. We thought he was uncomfortable. He’d pin his ears when it was time to run on.”

A field of 10 is entered in the race, with Brimstoned drawing post 7. His rivals include the stakes winner Grazen Sky and the stakes-placed The Gomper.