Brother Pat attempts sweep of Tampa Turf Test series

OLDSMAR, Fla. – Brother Pat goes after his fourth win in a row Saturday as he tops an overflow field of 14 entered in the colts and geldings division of the final leg of the Tampa Turf Test at about 1 3/8 miles on the turf.

Brother Pat has used speed to dominate the series thus far, leading from start to finish in each of the first three legs. Claimed by the Jamie Ness barn for $16,000 in late November, Brother Pat ran third against optional-claiming types in his first start for his new connections then moved to a mile on the turf to capture the first Turf Test offering as the choice. He came back at 1 1/16 miles on the grass to make it two in a row, then showed his versatility by splashing home by five lengths in the 1 1/8-mile third leg of the series that was moved to the sloppy main track.

While Brother Pat looms the horse to beat, Momma’s Happy can’t be ignored. Claimed by the meeting’s leading trainer, Gerald Bennett, on Jan. 21, Momma’s Happy has won two of his last three starts for the new connections over the turf and has seven lifetime wins on the grass.

Dubai Time, who responded when dropped into the claiming ranks last time with a solid late-running win, also has seven lifetime wins on the green and has met some classy company in the past.

The filly and mare division of the Test will also be run on Saturday at the same distance, and Rhythm Queen, who smoked her field in a similar off-the-turf test at 1 1/8 miles in her last, tops her field along with Kings Tuesday. Kings Tuesday ran second to Rhythm Queen last out, and that effort followed a strong winning race at a mile on the turf. The Kathy Guciardo trainee has three wins from her last five starts.

KEY CONTENDERS

Brother Pat (Last 3 Beyers: 85-89-85)

◗ His speed will be even more effective in what is essentially a three-turn race.

◗ His Beyer Speed Figures are well above his field, and while his price will be short, he looks very formidable.

Momma’s Happy (Last 3 Beyers: 75-66-72)

◗ He has won 2 of 3 starts for the meeting’s leading trainer.

◗ He likes to make his runs late and should be a square price.

Skiffs Brewmeister (Last 3 Beyers: 75-78-80)

◗ He comes off a seven-week freshening, his Beyers are deceptively strong, and he is a proven pro. He’s a legit contender at a price.