Hardworkcleanlivin gets class relief in Manzano

Hardworkcleanlivin will make a meaningful class move Saturday night when he drops in from graded stakes company for the $50,000 Manzano at The Downs at Albuquerque.

The six-furlong race for 2-year-olds drew a full field of 12.

Hardworkcleanlivin comes off a third-place finish in the Grade 3 Bashford Manor on June 30 at Churchill Downs. His chief rivals include Storm the Beach, who has placed in two New Mexico-bred stakes, and Litigator, who has been part of the maiden special weight scene at Presque Isle Downs.

KEY CONTENDERS

Hardworkcleanlivin, by Colonel John
Beyers: 62-73

◗ He earned a shot at graded rivals after a smart debut win May 5 at Lone Star Park. He tracked the pace and went on to a 3 1/4-length win in that race. The Beyer Speed Figure of 73 he earned is the best number in the Manzano.

◗ Hardworkcleanlivin rallied for third in the Bashford Manor, won by the undefeated Ten City. Since that race, Hardworkcleanlivin has put in a trio of sharp half-mile works at Lone Star Park, which has been operating as a training center following the close of its meet July 30.

◗ Tracy Hebert has the mount from post 2 for Joe Davis and trainer Danny Pish.

Storm the Beach, by Attila’s Storm
Last 3 Beyers: 50-63-55

◗ He is the most experienced member of the field with two wins from four starts. His two losses were third-place finishes in stakes, the $147,000 Copper Top Futurity in April at Sunland Park and the $141,000 Mountain Top Futurity in June at Ruidoso Downs.

◗ Storm the Beach worked a bullet five furlongs in 1:00.60 in his final prep for the Manzano. The move was the fastest of 14 at the distance last Saturday at Ruidoso.

◗ Enrique Gomez has the mount from post 8 for J & SM Inc. and trainer Fred Danley.