Completed Pass finds end zone in Jim McKay Turf Sprint

BALTIMORE – The $100,000 Jim McKay Turf Sprint on Friday at Pimlico scratched down to a field of six and was absent its two morning-line favorites. But into the void stepped Completed Pass, who signaled that he may continue developing into a divisional threat with a solid one-length victory.

Completed Pass ($4.40), a 5-year-old Indiana-bred gelding by Pass Rush, came into the McKay off a runner-up effort, beaten a neck, in the King T. Leatherbury Stakes on April 20 at Laurel. That was both the stakes debut and turf debut for the gelding, trained by Claudio Gonzalez.

Completed Pass, who was sent away favored, prompted the pace set by American Sailor, just a head behind through a sharp opening quarter of 21.39 seconds. He poked a head in front once straightened away into the stretch and drove clear. The final time for the five furlongs on turf rated “good” was 57.35.

"He just wanted to go," said Victor Carrasco, who was aboard Completed Pass for the first time.

Tempt Me Twice, the longest shot on the board, edged Tricks to Doo by three-quarters of a length for the place spot. Tricks to Doo had been sent away as a close second choice under Javier Castellano, who had won five races, including four stakes, to that point on the card.

After the top three came Oldies But Goodies, American Sailor, and Clever Triad. Withdrawn at scratch time were morning-line favorite Bound for Nowhere, who will train up to the Royal Ascot meeting after a sharp work earlier in the week; second choice Pure Sensation, who was seeking firmer turf; and New York's Finest.