Hammers Vision returns to grass in Summer Stakes
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Hammers Vision will go back to the grass off a solid showing in the Grade 2 Saratoga Special when he runs Saturday at Woodbine in the Grade 2 Summer, a one-mile stakes for 2-year-olds that is a Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In qualifier for the Juvenile Turf.
Hammers Vision made quite a splash at first asking in a six-furlong maiden special weight race on the grass at Belmont, scoring from off the pace over Summer Stakes entrant Manhattan Dan.
Hammers Vision came back to finish third in the 6 1/2-furlong Saratoga Special. Trainer Brian Lynch said that dirt sprint wasn’t initially on the radar for the Ontario-bred colt, and he was pleased with the result.
“I thought he ran really well,” Lynch said. “He probably didn’t have the ideal training preparation going into it. He got a nice race under his belt and came back with a work on the [Woodbine] training turf. I believe he’s in good order going into it.”
A field of 10 has been assembled for the $200,000 Summer, which is the co-feature on the card, along with the Grade 2 Natalma for 2-year-old fillies. Lane 2 will be used on the turf.
KEY CONTENDERS
Hammers Vision (Beyers: 72-77)
◗ Lynch said the stretch-out to a mile should be ideal for the son of hot Ontario freshman sire Court Vision. He will get first-time Lasix.
“He rates lovely,” Lynch said. “He showed that in his first race. It’s an effective style on the Woodbine turf course if you can sit off it a little and let them do the grunt work in front of you.”
Conquest Enforcer (Unraced)
◗ The $210,000 yearling purchase by Into Mischief is well regarded by trainer Mark Casse, who won the 2013 Summer with the debuting filly My Conquestadory.
“We think he’s maybe one of the best horses we’ve ever had,” Casse said.
Conquest Daddyo (Beyers: 69-59)
◗ The son of red-hot turf and 2-year-old sire Scat Daddy has made both of his starts on Polytrack, capturing his opener before running second in the six-furlong Vandal Stakes.
“He breezed really well on the turf,” Casse said.
Hollywood Hideaway (Beyers: 75-70)
◗ After notching his debut by disqualification in the six-furlong Victoria Stakes on grass, he finished a flat fourth in the six-furlong Colin Stakes on Polytrack.
“He got bumped pretty good in the Victoria,” trainer Barb Minshall said. “I probably shouldn’t have run him in the Colin. He was still a little bruised up, but he’s good now.”
Sky Marshal (Beyers: 70-61)
◗ He graduated in front-running style in the seven-furlong allowance prep for the Summer, when the temporary rail was out in lane 5.
“I’m sure he’ll get a mile,” Minshall said.
The Zip Zip Man (Beyers: 89-83)
◗ After prevailing in his debut at Arlington, he was a determined second here in the Colin to the unbeaten Riker, who came back to take the Swynford Stakes.