Chief Cicatriz risks perfect record in Hank Mills Sr.

PHOENIX – Chief Cicatriz brings his unbeaten record in from New Mexico to challenge some of this circuit’s top sprinters in Saturday’s $30,000 Hank Mills Sr. Handicap. The 5 1/2-furlong dash drew a field of eight 4-year-olds and up. The race could take place on an off track as rains are forecast for the Phoenix area.

Owned by Roy Gene Evans and trained by Shawn Davis, Chief Cicatriz has basically been unchallenged while winning all four of his starts, using his speed to lead his foes on a merry chase each time. After his debut win at Zia Park on Oct. 20, he won two allowance sprints there in the fall. He went to Sunland Park for the KLAQ Handicap on Dec. 17, dueled for the lead, and drew off to win by three lengths.

Chief Cicatriz has worked superbly here since, posting two bullet works. Daniel Vergara rides.

The two main local hopes are Stoneys Mr Cruiser and Masterful Stride, the one-two finishers in an optional-claiming sprint here Dec. 28. Both are owned by H & E Ranch.

Masterful Stride, trained by Scott Rollins, may be set for his best as that Dec. 28 outing was his first in more than nine months. Stoneys Mr Cruiser, trained by Molly Pearson, has won three of his four starts, with his lone loss coming in the Jack Coady Sr., a one-mile turf stakes here Nov. 6.

HANK MILLS SR. (Race 6)

KEY CONTENDERS

Chief Cicatriz, by Munnings

Last 3 Beyers: 89-88-82

◗ Found himself a head off the lead early in the KLAQ Handicap – the first time he wasn’t in front at a margin call. Even then, he went on to win easily.

Masterful Stride, by Posse

Last 3 Beyers: 78-65-87

◗ Finished a respectable fourth after setting the pace in last year’s Phoenix Gold Cup, the meet’s marquee event.

◗ Races without blinkers after having worn them in his last six starts.

Stoneys Mr Cruiser, by Graeme Hall

Last 3 Beyers: 80-67-45

◗ Usually sits a couple of lengths off the lead early.

◗ Pearson has 11 wins and 14 seconds in her first 48 starts at the meet.