Madtap, Z Royal get class relief in Northern Spur Stakes
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Madtap and Z Royal couldn’t quite handle the best 3-year-olds racing at Oaklawn Park in the Rebel Stakes last month, so both are being kept out of the Arkansas Derby and will meet in the $150,000 Northern Spur three races earlier Saturday in the hope that the class relief helps them find their best form.
Z Royal was 11th and Madtap 12th in the 14-horse Rebel. Madtap seemingly had more of an excuse, being close to the pace set by Cupid in a race where, excepting the winner, most of the top finishers rallied from well back. Madtap was a romping winner of an optional claimer in his prior start, his Beyer Speed Figure of 89 being the top two-turn figure in this field.
The Northern Spur, at one mile, drew a field of 10. Other top contenders include Tisdale, who is seeking his third straight victory, and Major League, who has won two sprints and is seeking to avenge his lone loss, which was going two turns.
KEY CONTENDERS
Madtap, by Tapit
Last 3 Beyers: 66-89-76
◗ He was coming back in the Rebel on just 14 days’ rest after his allowance win and was making his third start in five weeks.
“I think he bounced in the Rebel off his lifetime best,” said trainer Steve Asmussen.
◗ Ricardo Santana Jr. takes over from Corey Nakatani, who rode Madtap in his prior three races but has left town.
Z Royal, by Eskendereya
Last 3 Beyers: 66-69-76
◗ He has disappointed in his last three starts, all stakes, after beating maidens in his second start.
◗ After breaking from post 9 last time, he was fanned wide on the first turn and appeared to try to lug out. He benefits from breaking from post 3 this time.
Tisdale, by Friesen Fire
Last 3 Beyers: 83-67-62
◗ This will be his stakes debut, but he comes into the race quite sharp, having won his last two starts, his only two tries around two turns, both at this track.
“I think he’ll only get better as the year goes on,” trainer Ron Moquett said. “I think he’ll be blossoming in June and July.”
Major League, by Malibu Moon
Career Beyers: 93-47-73
◗ Both of his victories have been in sprints in which he sat back and finished well, and his only loss came in a two-turn race in which he loomed up and emptied out, so he needs to prove he is more than a late-running sprinter.
◗ Rafael Bejarano, fresh off leading the standings at the Santa Anita meeting that closed Sunday, picks up the mount for trainer Wayne Catalano.