Eric the Trojan eyes win to cap meet

DEL MAR, Calif. – Eric the Trojan had a win and a second at last year’s Del Mar meet, when he was trained by Jack Carava. Carava lost him through the claim box at the end of the meet, but when this summer’s meet approached, Carava and owner Chris Curtis reached in to take him anew.

“He’s kind of a five-furlong specialist,” Carava said. “He seems to always run his best races down here. When he goes 6 1/2 down the hill at Santa Anita he loses some of his punch.

“He got really good when he got down here last summer. His best distance is five furlongs, and he likes the firm turf here.”

Eric the Trojan suffered a narrow loss earlier this meet, but he’ll get a chance to end his summer on a high note when he runs on Thursday in the featured seventh race, a five-furlong turf sprint for 3-year-olds and up that attracted a field of 11. Owing to the position of the rail, only nine can run, and one of the also-eligibles is Eddie Haskell, who held on to beat Eric the Trojan on Aug. 2.

Thursday’s race is for second-level allowance runners, or those entered for a $62,500 claiming price. Eddie Haskell is the lone horse entered for the tag. Those with the allowance condition get preference.

Eric the Trojan never has finished out of the money in six starts on this turf course, and has finished first or second five times. He closes with a furious rush, and it is Flavien Prat – who is back aboard on Thursday – who has the right touch with him. They have two wins, two seconds, and a third the last five times Prat has ridden him.

“If there’s enough speed, he runs pretty well,” Carava said. “And he runs his best for Flavien.”

KEY CONTENDERS

Eric the Trojan, by More Than Ready
Last 3 Beyers: 91-86-91

◗ Carava has won four races this meet, but at the time of Eric the Trojan’s first start this summer, he was mired in a long losing streak.

“That was a tough beat last time,” Carava said.

Eddie Haskell, by Square Eddie
Last 3 Beyers: 91-84-84

◗ He needs help at scratch time, but if he gets in he’ll be formidable, as he owns three wins and a second in four starts on this course.

Tina’s Exchange, by Exchange Rate
Last 3 Beyers: 89-84-89

◗ He was third behind Eddie Haskell and Eric the Trojan while beaten just a half-length on Aug. 2.

Little Juanito, by Exchange Rate
Last 3 Beyers: 83-81-76

◗ Another course specialist, he is 2 for 2 here, and he is 1 for 1 since being gelded.

Brandothebartender, by Tribal Rule
Last 3 Beyers: 85-81-86

◗ He beat a slightly softer field last time, his second win on this course.