Double Entendre tries turf in Christmas Past
Double Entendre will appreciate the class relief when she runs in the $75,000 Christmas Past on Saturday at Gulfstream Park, where she will be trying turf for the first time. The horse she must beat in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-old fillies that drew 11 horses is Temple Fur, who is coming off back-to-back wins in optional $25,000 claiming races on the Gulfstream turf course.
Double Entendre romped when she debuted in a maiden special weight race at Sam Houston for trainer Larry Stroope, and after being sold, she was transferred to trainer Peter Walder.
In her first start for Walder, she finished a respectable fifth in the Gulfstream Oaks, won by Go Maggie Go, who came back to finish fourth in the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. Double Entendre finished last in the Black-Eyed Susan, which was also won by Go Maggie Go. It is easy to toss out that race, however, as she had a brutal trip and really didn’t get to run her race.
Walder was thinking of entering her for the main track only in the Christmas Past but changed his mind.
“I thought she ran a great race in the Gulfstream Park Oaks,” Walder said. “If she runs that race on Saturday, grass or dirt, it makes her pretty tough to beat.”
Double Entendre drew post 4, with leading rider Emisael Jaramillo aboard for the first time.
Trained by Jessica Campitelli, Temple Fur used her good tactical speed to win at a mile April 22 and came back a month later to win at the same level going 7 1/2 furlongs. The 77 Beyer Speed Figures she earned both times are the best in this field on any surface.
KEY CONTENDERS
Double Entendre, by American Lion
Last 3 Beyers: 47-70-70
◗ There are no turf winners in her immediate family, so she might be vulnerable if the race stays on the grass. Her race in the Gulfstream Oaks makes her a serious contender if it gets washed off though.
Temple Fur, by Temple City
Last 3 Beyers: 77-77-66
◗ She improved dramatically in her last two races, and she romped in the slop in her second start, so she should be fine if it comes up wet.
Sharp Kitty, by Kitten’s Joy
Last 3 Beyers: 76-69-67
◗ The lightly raced filly, trained by Amy Tarrant, looked good winning a maiden special weight race on the grass coming off a short layoff May 15. She is trending in the right direction and should get a cozy trip from the inside post.