Heitai’s connections weigh options after Sprint win

Heitai’s connections are determining their next move with the crack Louisiana-bred sprinter after he won his second straight stakes race last Saturday night at Delta Downs. Heitai was one of the main attractions on the Louisiana Premier Night program of divisional stakes, and he accounted for the $100,000 Sprint with a Beyer Speed Figure of 100. The horse since has returned to his base of Fair Grounds, trainer Tom Amoss said Wednesday.

“We’re mulling over our options,” said Amoss, who trains the horse for Rowell Enterprises.

Amoss said one possibility is the Duncan F. Kenner at Fair Grounds on Feb. 21.

Heitai picked up the ninth stakes win of his career when he defended his title in the Louisiana Premier Night Sprint. Heitai was hooked from the start, dueled to the stretch, then shook clear while covering five furlongs in 57.93 seconds to win by 2 3/4 lengths.

“It was a race that I think showed a lot of character on the part of Heitai,” said Amoss.

Heitai broke from the rail and was pressed in an uncomfortable scenario, he noted.

“He overcame that and drew off at the end,” he said.

Heitai is a 5-year-old by Fusaichi Pegasus who has won 13 of 28 starts and $883,543.