Hunka Burning Love has stakes options
Trainer Karl Broberg has won 12 races from 29 starts during the first six dates of the Delta Downs meet, and two of his most impressive winners during that span, Hunka Burning Love and Flash of Mischief, are candidates for upcoming stakes in the region. Hunka Burning Love was a four-length winner of the $100,000 Delta Mile on Saturday, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 90. It was the third stakes win on the year for the horse also co-owned by Broberg.
“There’s a couple of possible races for him, the Tenacious at Fair Grounds or the Jeffrey Hawk at Remington Park. I don’t know yet,” Broberg said. “I’m leaning toward the Jeffrey Hawk because he ran so well at Remington.”
Hunka Burning Love won the Governor’s Cup at Remington in August, one of seven victories he’s had since Broberg claimed the horse for $32,000 in April at Oaklawn Park.
“He’s had an amazing year,” Broberg said.
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The Jeffrey Hawk Memorial will be run Dec. 18, as part of a program of five stakes led by the $200,000 Springboard Mile, a points race for the Kentucky Derby.
Broberg said Flash of Mischief is a candidate for the Springboard for breeder and owner Jerry Namy.
“He was an impressive maiden winner opening week at Delta Downs,” Broberg said. “I think he’s the real deal, and I don’t ever say things like that.”
Flash of Mischief was making his two-turn debut in the maiden race Nov. 24. For his 6 1/2-length win, he earned a Beyer of 71.
Broberg noted both Flash of Mischief and Hunka Burning Love are by the top stallion Into Mischief.
Broberg has won the last nine training titles at Delta.
“I love the place,” he said. “With my farm right there, it’s my favorite spot.
They don’t get enough credit for that surface.”
Broberg said the sand-based track is a safe surface. It’s also one that sets horses up for success at other venues.
“You ship anywhere else, you’ve got a fitness-level edge,” he said.
Later this winter, Broberg plans to have a division of horses at Oaklawn.