Lieutenant Dan punches BC Turf Sprint ticket with Green Flash win

DEL MAR, Calif. - All Lieutenant Dan needed to win his 2022 debut in Sunday’s Grade 3 Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar was a patient ride from Juan Hernandez and a rally through the stretch.

Lieutenant Dan raced on the inside on the turn of the five-furlong turf race, stalking pacesetter Dubai Key. In early stretch, Dubai Key drifted off the rail, allowing Hernandez to urge Lieutenant Dan to the front.

“I saw (Dubai Key) was lugging out a bit,” Hernandez said. “I took my shot.”

Lieutenant Dan ($3.80) took the lead in the final furlong and won by 1 1/4 lengths over 9-1 Lane Way, who also closed on the inside through the stretch.

“I know he’s a professional horse,” Hernandez said. “He can go inside or outside. When I saw the opportunity, we made the move and when I asked him he responded.”

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The win gave Lieutenant Dan a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland on Nov. 5. Last November, Lieutenant Dan finished second in the BC Turf Sprint at Del Mar.

Lieutenant Dan won the Green Flash for the second consecutive year, but did not receive a free berth to the BC Turf Sprint for winning last year. The incentive was added to the conditions of the race this year.

Trained by Steve Miyadi for owner and breeder Nick Alexander, Lieutenant Dan was timed in 55.87 seconds in the $152,500 Green Flash Handicap. Lieutenant Dan earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 99.

Lane Way closed from eighth of 10 to finish second despite a troubled trip on the turn.

“I had to wait and wait and wait,” jockey Mike Smith said. “The room finally came, but it was too late.”

Coulthard (24-1) finished third, followed by Dubai Key, Whatmakessammyrun, Chasin Munny, Super Ocho, Barristan The Bold, Nero and Maven.

Lieutenant Dan, a 6-year-old gelding by Grazen, has won 9 of 18 starts and earned $923,740. The Green Flash was Lieutenant Dan’s first start since the BC Turf Sprint last year and was his sixth stakes win.

Alexander said a decision will be made in coming weeks whether Lieutenant Dan will have another start before the BC Turf Sprint, with the Grade 2 Eddie D Stakes at Santa Anita at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course on Oct. 1 a possibility.

Lieutenant Dan won the 2021 Eddie D Stakes.