Hartman will rely on Wilbo in turf sprint

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Alsvid is the most recognizable name sprinkled among the runners entered in three allowances Sunday at Keeneland, but trainer Chris Hartman said he doesn’t expect to run his stable star.

Instead, Hartman will be represented solely by Wilbo in the fourth race, a $70,000 classified allowance. Alsvid, a $1.3 million earner who was a good fourth in the Grade 2 Phoenix on opening day of the 17-day fall meet Oct. 7, surely would have been favored in the 5 1/2-furlong turf race but instead is a likely scratch.

“I’m probably just going to run the one,” said Hartman. “It looks like a good spot for him, too.”

Wilbo earned a field-high 98 Beyer Speed Figure in winning last month on the main track at Churchill Downs, and Hartman said he was hoping for this Keeneland race to come off the grass, too.

“The long-range forecast was for rain, but I guess now it’s not going to happen,” Hartman said Friday. “That’s okay. He’s capable either way.”

The two other allowances conclude a nine-race program that starts at the usual 1:05 p.m. Eastern.

Race 8 is a $64,000, second-level sprint for fillies and mares that could have Hip Hop N Jazz a slight favorite when shipping in from Maryland off a needed start at Parx for Tom Proctor.

Race 9 is a $62,000, first-level turf mile that drew an extremely competitive field of 3-year-olds and up, with City Flyer, Theycallhimthekid, and Tapit Wicked among the likely favorites.

Three starter allowances (races 1, 5, 7) and three maiden races (races 2, 3, 6) round out an interesting card.

Race 4

KEY CONTENDERS

Wilbo, by Candy Ride

Last 3 Beyers: 98-80-94

◗ Handy chestnut might actually be better over dirt, but his limited turf starts suggest he’ll match up well with this kind, especially with that powerful last-out victory at Churchill still fresh.

◗ His jockey, Channing Hill, has enjoyed a fine start to the Keeneland meet by winning with three of his first 13 mounts: Eerily (12-1), Romantic Vision (18-1), and A Terrific Shot (11-1).

Latent Revenge, by Latent Heat

Last 3 Beyers: 75-86-56

◗ Greg Foley-trained colt hasn’t been all that consistent, but when he’s on his game, he can be very tough to get past, as his 4-for-9 record in turf sprints indicates.

Shadow Rock, by Distorted Humor

Last 3 Beyers: 79-86-76

◗ This 6-year-old gelding has become a true pro at the turf-sprint game, having amassed 9 wins, 4 seconds, and 3 thirds from 33 starts over grass.