Eddie D 'most likely' next for Reef Runner
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Reef Runner, demoted from first to second for causing interference in the Grade 3 Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar on Aug. 30, has remained in California and may start in the Grade 2 Eddie D Stakes for turf sprinters at Santa Anita on Sept. 27.
Trainer David Fawkes said on Thursday that the Eddie D Stakes could serve as a prep for Reef Runner for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar on Nov. 1.
“If he wins, he gets points,” Fawkes said in reference to one of the qualifying methods for the BC Turf Sprint. “That would have to help him."
The Eddie D “will most likely be in play," Fawkes added.
Fawkes, who is based at Gulfstream Park, was left stunned and angered when Reef Runner was disqualified in the Green Flash Handicap. Track stewards ruled that Reef Runner interfered with Queen Maxima shortly after the start, causing that filly to hamper Motorious in the first furlong. Motorious was checked by jockey Antonio Fresu but recovered to finish second by a nose. The stewards ruled the incident cost Motorious a chance at a better placing.
“I don’t get it,” Fawkes said of the decision on Thursday. “No rider claimed foul.”
The disqualification cost Reef Runner more than the first-place purse of $90,000. With the promoted win, Motorious earned a fees-paid berth to the BC Turf Sprint. There is no such bonus for the winner of the $200,000 Eddie D Stakes, which is run at about 6 1/2 furlongs on Santa Anita's hillside turf course.
The BC Turf Sprint has a pre-entry fee of $15,000 due on Oct. 20 and an entry fee of $15,000 due on Oct. 27.
Reef Runner, who has won 5 of 19 starts and earned $382,405, races for Alex and JoAnn Lieblong of Conway, Ark. Alex Lieblong is the chairman of the Arkansas Racing Commission.
Fawkes hopes Reef Runner will start in the BC Turf Sprint to show his ability among some of the world’s top turf sprinters.
“There’s some good turf sprinters around,” he said. “There is no standout.”
Paco Lopez, who rode Reef Runner, was given a three-day suspension for the disqualification but plans to appeal, according to his agent, Jose Garcia. He is currently scheduled to serve the suspension on Sept. 14, 19, and 20.
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