Eddie Haskell looking to break through in Daytona Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – Race conditions for turf sprints at Santa Anita have worked in favor of Eddie Haskell this season.

When Santa Anita abandoned races on the hillside turf course earlier this spring, the remainder of the track’s stakes for turf sprinters at the spring-summer meeting were moved from about 6 1/2 furlongs to five furlongs.

Eddie Haskell has won three consecutive allowance races or optional claimers at five furlongs on turf since late November and can win his first stakes in Saturday’s Grade 3 Daytona at the distance.

“He’s a pretty tough horse going five furlongs,” trainer Mark Glatt said. “We’re confident going in.”

Eddie Haskell was a game second in the Sensational Star Stakes on the hillside turf course March 31, the last day races were offered at the distance. There were four races on the hillside that day, one of which was marred by a fatal accident. The distance will not be used until September at the earliest, track officials said this month.

For the $100,000 Daytona, Eddie Haskell will be favored in a field of seven that includes the two-time stakes winner Kanthaka; Brandothebartender, who won the California Flag Handicap at five furlongs on turf last October; and the stakes-placed runners Blameitonthelaw, Horse Greedy, and What’sontheagenda.

KEY CONTENDERS

Eddie Haskell, by Square Eddie
Last 3 Beyers: 99-98-88

◗ Eddie Haskell has been second or third in five stakes, including a third behind Brandothebartender in the California Flag Handicap for statebreds. In his three wins at five furlongs on turf since late November, Eddie Haskell has disputed the pace in one race and stalked the pace in the other two wins before taking the lead in the final furlong.

“That’s his distance,” Glatt said.

◗ Owned by Jim Hailey and Philip Wood, Eddie Haskell was claimed for $50,000 in April 2018 and has since earned $244,484.

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Brandothebartender, by Tribal Rule
Last 3 Beyers: 88-96-90

◗ Brandothebartender is winless in three stakes since the California Flag, finishing third each time. He was beaten 2 1/2 lengths by Pee Wee Reese in the Sensational Star and 1 1/4 lengths by The Hunted in the Crystal Water Stakes at a mile on turf for statebreds April 27.

◗ The Daytona Stakes will be Brandothebartender’s graded stakes debut. Similar to Eddie Haskell, Brandothebartender is a threat from off the pace and is expected to be in pursuit of pacesetter What’sontheagenda.

“I love the outside post,” trainer Craig Dollase said. “We’ll have to chase the speed down. It should set up nice for his kick.

“He came out of the Crystal Water in good shape.”

Kanthaka, by Jimmy Creed
Last 3 Beyers: 81-88-101

◗ Kanthaka will race on turf for the first time in his 11th start, the shortest race of his career.

“We’re trying it,” trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said. “It’s a futuristic move. The Jimmy Creeds can handle it.

“We understand it’s short, but we need to try it anyway.”