Easy to see that Twentytwentyvision is best on turf
ARCADIA, Calif. – A switch to turf has changed the career of Twentytwentyvision.
After winning one of his first three starts, all on the main track, Twentytwentyvision has won two straight, both on turf. He will try to extend his winning streak in an optional claimer at a mile on turf at Santa Anita on Friday. There are seven runners in the race, which will have the toughest field Twentytwentyvision has faced. The competition includes the stakes winners Ambitious Brew, Flamboyant, and Global View.
Flamboyant won the La Puente Stakes for 3-year-olds in his U.S. debut in April 2014 but is winless in his last six starts. Flamboyant has been gelded since finishing seventh in an optional claimer April 16.
Global View, who won the Grade 2 American Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs in May 2014, was third in the April 16 race.
The optional claimer is the seventh race on an eight-race program that begins at 4 p.m. Pacific.
KEY CONTENDERS
Twentytwentyvision (Last 3 Beyers: 93-87-88)
◗ A 4-year-old gelding, Twentytwentyvision was prone to minor setbacks earlier in his career, trainer Richard Mandella said.
“He was a soft horse growing up, sore shins and things, and he’s getting past that,” Mandella said. “He’s been better as we go. He’s shown he has the talent.”
◗ Owned by Peter and Ellen Johnson, Twentytwentyvision won optional-claiming races April 11 and May 8 on turf. In both races, he raced near the front and took the lead in the final furlong under jockey Flavien Prat, who has the mount Friday.
Kulik Lodge (Last 3 Beyers: 92-91-81)
◗ Kulik Lodge is in the midst of a three-race winning streak that began in late 2013 at Gulfstream Park. Originally trained by Todd Pletcher, Kulik Lodge won for trainer Tom Proctor last August and October.
◗ A 5-year-old horse, Kulik Lodge has won after a lengthy break in the past but could need a start Friday, according to Aimee Dollase, Proctor’s assistant.
“It’s a comeback race, and we’ll play it by ear,” Dollase said.
Ambitious Brew (Last 3 Beyers: 96-91-93)
◗ Ambitious Brew won the Sensational Star Stakes for California-breds on the hillside turf course in February 2014 and was seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint here last November. Trained by Marty Jones, Ambitious Brew was second to Betty’s Bambino in the Sensational Star on Feb. 21, his only start this year.
◗ The optional claimer will be Ambitious Brew’s first start at a mile. “It seems like a good time to try it,” Jones said.