Citizen Geller cuts back for Casey Darnell Stakes

Citizen Geller will be looking for his second straight stakes win Saturday in the $70,000 Casey Darnell at The Downs at Albuquerque, and to get it he might have to reel in Stormin the Jewels.

Citizen Geller will be cutting back in distance for the 5 1/2-furlong race restricted to 3-year-olds and up bred in New Mexico. Also in the eight-horse field is Me Darlin Rod, who will be putting a perfect 4-for-4 record on the line when he makes his stakes debut.

The Casey Darnell is named for the late American Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame member who also bred, owned and trained stakes-winning Thoroughbreds.

KEY CONTENDERS

Citizen Geller, by Pro Prado
Last 3 Beyers: 81-74-42

◗ He will be shortening up from seven furlongs, the distance over which he won the $70,000 O.D. McDonald at Albuquerque on June 24 in his most recent start. Trainer Justin Evans has sharpened the horse for the turnback with a three-furlong work Sept. 10 at Zia.

◗ Citizen Geller stalked the pace and went on to a 2 1/2-length win in the O.D. McDonald, a race he won for the second straight year. He could find himself a little farther off the pace on the cutback in distance – and faced with the stretch task of running down Stormin the Jewels.

◗ Miguel Perez has the mount from post 7 for UKUSA Stables.

Stormin the Jewels, by Attila’s Storm
Last 3 Beyers: 64-79-76

◗ He is the most accomplished member of the field as a four-time stakes winner who has earned $367,271. Stormin the Jewels also boasts a strong record over the local strip, as he has finished first or second in his four starts at Albuquerque.

◗ Alfredo Juarez Jr. has the mount for J & SM and trainer Fred Danley.