Broberg has big shot in Need for Speed with Quick Dagger
OPELOUSAS, La. – Historically, the $60,000 Need for Speed Stakes at Evangeline Downs has proven to be an interesting affair. Assemble the fastest short-distance specialists on the grounds and send them five furlongs on turf.
Last year, however, the mad dash for cash gained considerably more significance. That was when trainer Karl Broberg tried his crack Louisiana-bred sprinter Heitai on turf for the first time. Not only was the experiment successful, but following an engagement on dirt where he disposed of fellow statebreds in the Louisiana Legends Sprint, Heitai returned to grass to win the inaugural running of the $300,000 Evangeline Downs Turf Sprint.
With the Turf Sprint moved up on the calendar to May 30 this year, the Need for Speed has become the definitive prep for Evangeline’s signature event.
Broberg will again be well represented in Saturday’s Need for Speed, as he sends out the morning-line favorite, Quick Dagger. Claimed by Broberg out of an optional $40,000 claimer at Fair Grounds in early March, Quick Dagger comes off a 4 1/2-length win at Lone Star over a sloppy main track after the race was taken off the turf. The 4-year-old Quick Dagger is well acquainted with grass, however, winning back-to-back optional claimers for former trainer Joe Sharp in January and February.
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Need for Speed, race 9
Key Contenders
Quick Dagger (Last 3 Beyers: 88-77-87)
◗ While he has proven very effective at 5 1/2 furlongs this year, he is even better going the shorter distance of this race. In six tries at five furlongs, he sports a 3-2-0 record.
Win Lion Win (Last 3 Beyers: 95-63-82)
◗ Finished a surprising second to Heitai, now under Tom Amoss’s care, in the Costa Rising over the Fair Grounds turf in late March while almost 50-1. Earned a race-best last Beyer Speed Figure of 95, which was near the career best he threw in winning a five-furlong optional claimer over the main track here last season.
Reflector (Last 3 Beyers: 83-83-80)
◗ Consistent performer finished behind Quick Dagger in their first two meetings this year but turned the tables in early March with a strong rally from off the pace. Early splits look legit here, which should have him running again late.
Gantry (Last 3 Beyers: 93-83-82)
◗ Classy veteran will be making his first start of the year. He has won 2 of 4 starts going five-eighths on grass.