Euroglide looks too talented for sprint foes

ARCADIA, Calif. Everyone loved first-time starter Euroglide in a March 23 maiden sprint at Santa Anita. Hammered to 3-5 off a series of fast works, Euroglide pressed a fast opening quarter, made the lead after a half-mile in 44.26 seconds, and drew out by more than six lengths in 1:09.56 for six furlongs.

I knew he had speed; I didnt know he had that kind of speed, trainer Pete Eurton said. The romping debut victory by Euroglide earned a 98 Beyer Speed Figure and makes him the overwhelming favorite again Thursday in the seventh-race feature at Santa Anita.

Five entered the first-level allowance at seven furlongs, and Euroglide will be tough to get past. Beyond his speed-figure attributes, horses that finished far behind Euroglide returned to run well. Runner-up Time to Get Even won a strong maiden race April 11 with a 99 Beyer; third-place Squires Wingman finished second next out with a 92 Beyer.

Euroglide is a gelding by Honor Glide, and although he is a statistical standout, he is not perfect. Euroglide debuted off sharp, successive bullet workouts. Eurton toned it down after the race with two slow works, including a 1:03.60 on April 13.

I worked him slow on purpose because I didnt think I was going to run [in the allowance], he said.

The Grade 3, $100,000 Lazaro S. Barrera Memorial for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs on May 20 is the objective for Euroglide. The timing of Thursdays allowance gives Eurton a softer spot for Euroglide before tackling stakes runners.

The slow works lead to an obvious question: Do I have him tight enough? Eurton said.

From a developmental aspect, it does not matter. Eurton said he is not looking for Euroglides best race on Thursday.

Alex Solis rides Euroglide from post 5, and anything close to his debut effort will make him tough, even if he gets hot in the post parade.

He always gets hot, even in the mornings, Eurton said.

Rivals for Euroglide include Knighthood, a Fusaichi Pegasus colt making his local debut for trainer Carla Gaines after winning 1 of 2 at Hastings Park. A big, playful colt who is one of Gainess favorites, Knighthood is racing for the first time in nearly six months.

The remainder of the field includes comebacker Robbos Courage, the likely second choice; Pay the Vig, winner of a $62,500 maiden claimer last time; and comebacker Guitar Man.