Favorite Tale looks tough - if he runs - in Hall of Fame Stakes

If Favorite Tale starts in the five-furlong Hall of Fame Stakes at Parx on Saturday, he will be the horse to beat despite not having raced since March.

But on Thursday, trainer Lupe Preciado was not sure if he would run Favorite Tale in the $100,000 Hall of Fame or target one of three Win and You’re In preps for the $1.5 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Santa Anita on Nov. 5. Favorite Tale finished third in the BC Sprint a year ago after breaking from post 14.

“There is a race at Belmont, a race at Keeneland, and a race at Santa Anita, and if we run Saturday, we will miss them,” Preciado said. “I know they will be tough races, but I am not yet sure what we are going to do.”

The Win and You’re In races are the Vosburgh at Belmont on Oct. 1, the Phoenix at Keeneland on Oct. 7, and Santa Anita Sprint Championship on Oct. 8.

Favorite Tale was uncomfortable following his last race in March, according to Preciado, and veterinarian Dean Richardson of the New Bolton Center performed an arthroscopic procedure to “clean up” his right knee.

“So far, so good,” Preciado said.

The highly competitive Hall of Fame also includes Grade 2 Smile Sprint winner Delta Bluesman, the never-better Rainbow Heir, Trouble Kid, and Always Sunshine, whose stalking style could be an advantage in the speed-laden, eight-horse field.

Trainer Ned Allard freshened Always Sunshine after he finished fourth in the Mr. Prospector Stakes at Monmouth Park on June 24.

“The timing was fortunate,” Allard said. “He missed all that hot weather in July and August. He’s doing super.”

Hall of Fame, Race 8

Key Contenders

Favorite Tale, by Tale of the Cat

Last 3 Beyers: 85-83-103

◗ He has started only twice since finishing third to Runhappy and Private Zone in last year’s BC Sprint. He has worked five times in preparation for his first start in six months.

Rainbow Heir, by Wildcat Heir

Last 3 Beyers: 101-92-72

◗ Has been very sharp in both of his starts this year since being transferred to trainer Jason Servis.

◗ He is drawn outside the other front-runners and may be able to sit just off the pace if he can’t make a clear lead.

Delta Bluesman, by Wagon Limit

Last 3 Beyers: 98-103-102

◗ He is having his best year yet for trainer Jorge Navarro, who claimed him for $30,000 in October 2014.

◗ He is very fast but could not handle A. P. Indian on the far turn of the Grade 1 Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga and flattened out to finish fourth. Expect him to gun for the lead from post 1.

Trouble Kid, by Harlan’s Holiday

Last 3 Beyers: 86-95-67

◗ Reunited with trainer Ramon Preciado, who claimed him out of a maiden race for $15,000 in July 2015. He is 5 for 7 at Parx.

Always Sunshine, by West Acre

Last 3 Beyers: 89-99-103

◗ His recent freshening could help him regain his spring form.

Hebbronville, by Majesticperfection

Last 3 Beyers: 70-91-85

◗ He will be making his first start in more than six months for trainer Lynn Whiting but is 3 for 4 at Parx.