Firm turf should benefit Tyrannical

OLDSMAR, Fla. – The one time Tyrannical raced on turf, she turned in a strong effort, rallying from midpack to finish second, beaten three-quarters of a length, in a maiden special weight race on a “good” Arlington Park course in August.

Tyrannical is likely to get firm turf at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday, and trainer Eoin Harty said that might allow her to perform even better when she takes on seven other fillies and mares in a first-level, $22,500 allowance going 1 1/16 miles.

“It was a very soft turf course, and she seemed to struggle with it, even though she ran a very good race,” Harty said. “I don’t expect that to be a problem here at Tampa on Saturday, and if she runs the way she’s been training, she should be very competitive. She’s a real trier.”

Tyrannical, a 3-year-old daughter of Street Boss, is a homebred for Godolphin Racing who has made four starts, tied for the fewest in this field. But all four have been commendable, with one win, two runner-up finishes, and a third. She’ll be ridden for the first time by Daniel Centeno, who has gotten off to a blistering start to the meet, with eight wins from 18 mounts to lead the local jockey colony.

Race 6

KEY CONTENDERS

Tyrannical, by Street Boss

Last 3 Beyers: 65-58-61

◗ She most recently raced Oct. 21, finishing third after a wide trip in a rich allowance in the Keeneland slop, and has trained steadily here for her return, with four five-furlong works since Nov. 12.

Yahtzee Queen, by Kitten’s Joy

Last 3 Beyers: 68-69-66

◗ She also has made only four career starts for trainer Buff Bradley but has the pedigree to be a fine turf runner. Her sire easily leads all North American stallions in progeny earnings on turf this year at slightly less than $7 million. Her dam, the Golden Gear mare A Touch of Glory, produced Northern Passion, who earned $660,425 and was a four-time stakes winner at Woodbine, including a score on turf in the Grade 3 Natalma Stakes in 2011.

Sumfloridasunfun, by General Quarters

Last 3 Beyers: 79-80-49

◗ She has a win and a runner-up finish in two starts on this turf course, and following a 3 1/2-month break, she really stepped it up in her two most recent starts in August and September, earning this field’s two highest Beyer Speed Figures. She has hit the board in all three of her turf starts at a mile but has yet to race as far as 1 1/16 miles.