Ed Johnson brings turf experience to Alcatraz Stakes
The importance of previous turf experience could be a deciding factor for bettors as they eye the field of five 3-year-olds signed up for Sunday’s $75,000 Alcatraz Stakes at Golden Gate Fields.
Only one member of the field, Ed Johnson, has a turf win, and he has two. His stablemate Land of Oz is the only other runner in the field with a turf start, a fifth April 17 in a $40,000 starter allowance, and a route under his belt.
A $50,000 yearling purchase by Lewis Figone’s Frankfurt Stable, Ed Johnson hooked Kentucky Derby runner-up Exaggerator in his career debut at Del Mar before being sent north. After finishing a troubled fourth in a sprint, he was placed on turf by trainer Steve Specht and scored a three-quarter-length victory Sept. 27 before going to the sidelines.
“He’s a decent colt but not a superstar,” said Specht, who had to stop on the colt after his maiden win because of a serious quarter crack.
Specht was pleased with Ed Johnson’s 2 1/4-length optional-claiming/allowance victory April 16.
Alcatraz Stakes (Race 4)
Key Contenders
Ed Johnson, by Paddy O’Prado
Last 3 Beyers: 74-66-39
◗ Sire was a multiple graded stakes winner and earned $1.2 million on grass. Both siblings are winners with more than $100,000 in earnings. Both of his turf victories have come at this one-mile distance, including an April 16 prep that was his first start in 6 1/2 months. He has route speed and draws the rail. He has improved his Beyer Speed Figure in each start and seems capable of doing so again in his second start of the year.
He’s a Tiger, by Sky Mesa
Last 3 Beyers: 78-77-70
◗ He’s the lone member of this field with stakes experience, including a third in his 2016 debut in the Baffle Stakes at Santa Anita. He’s making his turf debut, but his Grade 1-winning sire, who never ran on turf, has good success with first-time starters on grass. He has speed and can sit where he wants with the outside draw. This is his first race around two turns, but he’s coming off a big effort at seven furlongs.
Admiral Boom, by Henrythenavigator
Last 2 Beyers: 65-66
◗ Sire was a multiple Group 1-winning millionaire on turf, but his offspring don’t seem to fire in their turf debuts. He’s turned in two solid tries sprinting and graduated in his last start. Dam was a multiple Grade 1 winner in her native Argentina. Style hints that he’ll be making a big move late in his first try around two turns.