Crackdown formidable on class drop, cutback to sprint

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Crackdown will appreciate the class relief and the move back to a sprint when he runs in an optional $35,000 claiming race that headlines the first Friday evening card at Hastings this year. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up drew six horses and goes as race 2 on the seven-race card that begins at 7:05 p.m. Pacific.

Trained by Patty Leaney, Crackdown was trying a middle distance for the first time in the $75,000 Lieutenant Governors’ on July 1. Leaney was expecting him to sit just off the pace like he did when he was the runner-up to Modern going 6 1/2 furlongs in the $75,000 John Longden 6000. Instead, he broke on top and quickly opened up a clear lead. It didn’t take long before Modern joined him, though, and after they dueled through extremely fast fractions for six furlongs, Crackdown faded to finish last. Modern held on well to finish third.

“The last thing I wanted was for him to duel with Modern,” said Leaney. “But he broke so sharply, and that was that. I thought the race would take a lot out of him, but he bounced back quickly.”

Crackdown showed that he was versatile in his runner-up finish in the Longden, but he could be the one they have to run down Friday.

“We’ll just let him run his race, but I wouldn’t mind if he broke like he did in his last race,” Leaney said.

Crackdown drew post No. 4, with Skyler White Shield retaining the mount.

KEY CONTENDERS

Crackdown, by Scat Daddy
Last 3 Beyers: 51-86-83

◗ He beat next-out winner Shooting Jacket the last time he ran at this level, and he proved it was no fluke when he finished second in the John Longden 6000 in his next start. Toss out his race in his first route attempt, and he is clearly the one to beat.

Clear the Runway, by Broken Vow
Last 3 Beyers: 82-81-55

◗ He’s a two-time stakes winner at the distance, the latest coming for trainer Tim Rycroft at Northlands Park in the Sun Sprint Championship last year, and he ran well to finish third in the George Royal, won by Modern, in his initial start this year.

◗ He will be making his first start for trainer Cindy Krasner, and he was very impressive while working six furlongs in 1:12.60 with Dennis Araujo aboard on July 10. Araujo, who won three races Sunday, likely will put him into a stalking position after he breaks from the outside post.