Kidron goes long in first try against winners
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
OLDSMAR, Fla. – Kidron will be tested for stamina in his first start against winners Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs, but handicappers will find several reasons to support him in the featured ninth race if they look at his company lines. The first-level, $23,000 allowance covers one mile on turf and drew a full field of 10 horses ages 4 and up, with four also-eligibles.
Kidron has made three starts, all on turf, but has yet to run beyond 5 1/2 furlongs. The 4-year-old War Front gelding won his maiden last out Oct. 18 at Parx Racing, taking a $58,200 maiden special weight race by two lengths. The third-place finisher, Thoroughbred Fuel, has won all three of his subsequent starts sprinting on the main track at Laurel Park and Parx.
At Delaware Park in September, Kidron finished third as the even-money favorite in a maiden special weight sprint. The winner of that race, Wild Woo Who, won a first-level allowance that was rained off the Laurel Park turf in his next start. Most recently, Wild Woo Who was second to Fast Flying Rumor in an optional $100,000 claimer here Dec. 11, and Fast Flying Rumor returned last Saturday to dominate the $90,000 Turf Dash.
Daniel Centeno will ride Kidron for trainer Kathleen DeMasi and owner Mark B. Grier. DeMasi said she thinks Kidron can handle his first route test.
“Pedigree-wise and what he showed me early on, I think he should stretch out, but you never know until you try it,” she said. “I know he’s run against some nice sprinters, and honestly, he might end up being a sprinter, but at some point, you have to try stretching him out. He’s always had a very good work ethic, and he has a nice way of going, especially over the grass.”
Key contenders
Kidron (Last 3 Beyers: 75-66-71)
* Turned in a bullet workout here Dec. 30, breezing five furlongs in 1:01.
Giant’s Passion (Last 3 Beyers: 84-79-79)
* He’s finished sixth in three consecutive races, but he has the highest last-race Beyer Speed Figure in this field, and he was beaten only four lengths by Dannhauser, who came back Wednesday to win an optional $100,000 claimer here.
Comanche’s Storm (Last 3 Beyers: 56-67-83)
* This stakes-placed runner showed speed and faded while going 1 1/8 miles in his return from a long layoff Dec. 26 and gets blinkers on for his second start back. Shortening up in distance should be to his benefit.
Tutti Sanno (Last 3 Beyers: 79-79-12)
* Won his maiden on this course in June and has run two solid races at this meet following a two-month break. He could break through in the third start of his form cycle.
Citali (Beyer: 69)
* Won his career debut sprinting on dirt here last month and retains top local jockey Antonio Gallardo, who has won at a 27 percent clip here for trainer Kathleen O’Connell since the start of 2015.