D'Amato high on pair of Thursday sprint contenders
ARCADIA, Calif. – A skeptical bettor might consider both Phil D’Amato trainees to be vulnerable Thursday at Santa Anita. After all, Micks Miracle has not raced in more than five months, and Rattataptap has never raced on turf.
Or one could argue the opposite. Perhaps the layoff allowed first-race favorite Micks Miracle to mature and improve. And maybe turf is what sixth-race contender Rattataptap has always wanted. The answers will become evident in two good optional-claiming races Thursday.
Micks Miracle will be strongly backed in an entry-level sprint, his first start since a runaway debut victory Dec. 26.
Rattataptap is less certain in a second-level sprint for fillies and mares on the hillside turf course, though she certainly is bred for grass.
D’Amato is bullish on both runners, starting in the Thursday opener with Micks Miracle. The layoff did him good.
“He’s actually filled out and gotten a little bit bigger,” D’Amato said. “Mentally, he’s relaxing more.”
Owned and bred by John Liviakis, Micks Miracle was sidelined with a foot issue and bone bruise following his blowout debut. He has trained super for his comeback against four rivals, including sharp debut winner Stringent and speedster K Thirty Eight.
Rattataptap, who is 2 for 5 lifetime, will make her first start since transferring to D’Amato. He believes she can benefit from the footing and pace. Sired by Tapit, Rattataptap’s dam is Sindy With an S, a turf stakes winner for D’Amato’s former boss, the late Mike Mitchell.
“This filly acts like she is [more effective] when she’s in a more comfortable pace scenario up front,” D’Amato said. “We’re going to try the grass and see if it makes a difference.” If it does, look out.
Rattataptap already owns the field’s highest Beyer Speed Figure, an 87.
OPTIONAL CLAIMER (RACE 1)
KEY CONTENDERS
Micks Miracle (Beyer: 88)
◗ In preparation for his comeback, Micks Miracle worked in company with 95-Beyer allowance winner Cherubim. Micks Miracle reportedly was best in the team work.
◗ On Thursday, Micks Miracle must break from the rail, which is 0 for 21 this meet at 6 1/2 furlongs. During the winter meet, the rail was just 6 for 64 at the distance.
Stringent (Beyer: 87)
◗ Bruce Headley trains the Lemon Drop Kid gelding, who rallied from ninth to win his debut at 5 1/2 furlongs May 17.
K Thirty Eight (Last 3 Beyers: 97-81-68)
◗ Karen Headley trains this Surf Cat gelding, who is 2 for 2 since returning from a layoff of nearly one year. Alex Solis was aboard for both wins; he jumps to Stringent. Kieren Fallon picks up the mount on K Thirty Eight, a front-runner with a style similar to Micks Miracle.
OPTIONAL CLAIMER (RACE 6)
KEY CONTENDERS
Rattataptap (Last 3 Beyers: 70-65-87)
◗ Rattataptap previously was trained by Jeff Bonde. D’Amato said the 3-year-old filly “came into the barn in great shape, and she drew a good post.” Rattataptap breaks from post 7 in the field of seven.
Baruta (Last 3 Beyers: 83-74-83)
◗ Richard Mandella trains Baruta, a Group 1-placed import from Brazil whose U.S. campaign includes one win, six seconds, and a third from 10 starts. Baruta is quick enough to set the pace.