Marathon distance should suit turf-loving Krisisrisen

ALBANY, Calif. - Golden Gate Fields has a rare turf marathon on Sunday.

The starter allowance race, for older horses who have started for a $12,500 claiming tag, will be run at 1 3/8 miles. The distance has been used in stakes races at Golden Gate Fields but is seldom offered in overnight races.

Ten horses were entered in the marathon, including Krisisrisen, who won at the distance in November 2000, and Colonial Secretary, who was third at the distance in the Grade 3, $100,000 Premiers at Hastings Park in British Columbia last October.

Before racing on turf, Krisisrisen had only a maiden victory, two seconds, and earnings of $13,128 in 10 starts. In 13 starts on the turf, the 6-year-old Krisisrisen has eight wins, three seconds, and a third, and earnings of $126,020.

Trainer John Martin said Krisisrisen's owners, E.J. McVey and R.E. Smith, suggested he try the horse on the turf, and Martin concedes he is a bit surprised by the turnaround.

"It was just a matter of trying him on the grass," said Martin of Krisisrisen, a son of Candi's Gold out of the Kris S. mare Kris's Stan.

"He ran so well, we just left him there."

Jockey Ron Warren has ridden Krisisrisen six times, with three wins and two seconds.

"He's easy to ride and easy to place," Warren said. "Ultimately, you like his consistency, but he's fun to ride. He's going forward against the bit all the time. I've only ridden him one time where I was disappointed by his effort."

Warren says Krisisrisen is a perfect turf horse.

"He just kind of lopes along," Warren said. "He's a typical grass horse. If he bobbles, he doesn't let it affect him. He still goes on."

Martin said Krisisrisen is imperturbable around the barn as well.

"He's a real nice horse to be around," Martin said. "He's a tough racehorse, too. You can tell that by the number of times we've run him and his consistency."

Although Krisisrisen drew the outside post 10, Martin is unconcerned because Krisisrisen won from the extreme outside in his last start.

Colonial Secretary finished eighth behind Krisisrisen in his last start, only his second race since the third-place finish in the Premiers. In his comeback, he was second in the mud in a 1 1/4-mile race on the main track, so distance should be no problem for him.