McCarthy, Kruljac barns spar in optional claimers

DEL MAR, Calif. – There were so many older female turf sprinters entered for an optional-claiming race on Thursday at Del Mar that trainers Michael McCarthy and Eric Kruljac were able to get runners into both divisions, doubling their chances of having a big day.

Both McCarthy and Kruljac have leading contenders in race 1, with McCarthy sending out Longstocking and Kruljac running Sturdy One. Both fillies are coming off second-place finishes in similar five-furlong turf sprints at this meet.

In race 7, McCarthy has Whisk, who will try to flee the rail, and Kruljac has Not Too Shiny. Both were third in turf sprints last time out, Whisk here at Del Mar and Not Too Shiny at Santa Rosa.

Longstocking was making her turf debut Aug. 4 when returning from a seven-month layoff.

“We thought we’d try something different,” said McCarthy, who trains both Longstocking and Whisk for the Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners syndicate. “It’s a little quick back, but it seems like she came out of the last race well.”

Longstocking is using her first allowance condition. Whisk is entered for a $40,000 claiming tag in her division.

“On paper, she fits with these horses,” McCarthy said.

There are eight runners in each division.

KEY CONTENDERS

RACE 1

Longstocking, by Into Mischief
Last 3 Beyers: 81-69-53

◗ She was sidelined earlier this year with foot issues, McCarthy said.

◗ She has not worked since her comeback race, which McCarthy said is because “she trains aggressively every day, gets a lot out of her morning gallops.” He’s trying to not overdo it and to keep her fresh for the race.

Sturdy One, by Langfuhr
Last 3 Beyers: 77-87-66

◗ She was an unlucky nose loser last time out to Snow Cloud, who returned to win her next start, underscoring the quality of her performance.

◗ She has a win and a second in two starts on this course, both in sprints.

Tryst, by Candy Ride
Last 3 Beyers: 75-80-79

◗ She is making her first start on turf after defeating maidens here Aug. 6.

◗ Flavien Prat has the mount after riding both Tryst and Longstocking in their last starts.

RACE 7

Whisk, by Elusive Quality
Last 3 Beyers: 79-80-55

◗ She has drawn the rail for the second straight time.

◗ She displayed good speed last time in her first start in four months but was overtaken by two rivals late.

Not Too Shiny, by Modigliani
Last 3 Beyers: 67-73-74

◗ Like Whisk, she is entered for a $40,000 claiming tag.

◗ She is the winningest horse in the field with four victories, one here last summer.

Easy Grader, by Tribal Rule
Career Beyers: 78-67-36

◗ She returned from a layoff of more than nine months to win a turf sprint two weeks ago against California-breds. This is against open company, and she’s coming back on short rest, but she’s obviously fond of the course.