Cistron will try turf sprint for first time in Desert Code

ARCADIA, Calif. – Cistron may appear in all sorts of stakes for 3-year-olds this year.

Already, Cistron has finished third in the Pasadena Stakes for turf milers at Santa Anita in March and won the Northern Spur Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on dirt at Oaklawn Park on April 15.

The next objective is something new – Saturday’s $75,000 Desert Code Stakes for 3-year-olds at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita.

Cistron has never started in a turf sprint but has won on grass at Santa Anita in an optional claimer at a mile in February.

“He’s a good horse and a versatile horse,” trainer John Sadler said.

Owned by Pete and Kosta Hronis and the Little Red Feather Racing partnership, Cistron is the only stakes winner among seven entrants in the Desert Code. Sadler said Cistron is likely to race just below the top level of 3-year-old stakes this year, with turf races at Del Mar and dirt stakes in the Midwest to be considered.

In the Desert Code, Cistron is likely to race near the front but may not take his customary position on the lead. Runners such as Big League and Whatsontheagenda have ample speed.

Big League will start on turf for the first time and is one of two runners in the race for trainer Peter Miller, who also starts the maiden-race winner Arms Runner.

Big League was a well-beaten third in the minor San Pedro Stakes for 3-year-olds at 6 1/2 furlongs on April 16 in his first start of the year. Miller is banking on Big League’s pedigree to help the colt’s chances.

“Speightstowns like the grass,” he said.

Arms Runner won his debut on the hillside turf course in a promising manner April 20, closing from fourth of 10 to win by a half-length. Arms Runner and Big League are owned by Gary Hartunian’s Rockingham Ranch.