Natural speed separates Don Six

Six of the seven older sprinters in Saturday's $100,000 Vincent Moscarelli Memorial Handicap at Delaware Park have earned a Beyer Speed Figure between 101 and 106 in at least one of their last two starts.

Although that might indicate the six-furlong Moscarelli shapes up as a highly competitive race, the reality is that Don Six has the potential to dominate.

A 4-year-old colt trained by Frank Generazio, Don Six has been heavily favored in his last three starts, a string that includes two winning efforts at Delaware with Beyers of 103 and 101. Don Six figures to go off a short price again and is listed at 3-2 on the track's morning line.

Unlike most of his competition, Don Six is a pure speedball and could be difficult to catch if he is able to set reasonable fractions on an uncontested lead.

Highway Prospector, a 7-year-old gelding trained by Mark Shuman, boasts the best last-race Beyer in the field, a 106 he earned for finishing second in the Longfellow at Monmouth Park three weeks ago.

Sing Me Back Home, a 6-year-old, won last year's Moscarelli with a 104 Beyer, but is winless in nine races since then. He has been competitive with some quality sprinters, however, finishing within 3 1/2 lengths of Speightstown in the Grade 2 True North Handicap at Belmont on June 5 in his most recent start. Both he and Highway Prospector come from far off the pace.

Philadelphia Jim, coupled with Highway Prospector, showed good early speed when he won his first start since October on July 3 with a 101 Beyer. Based on the fractions he sets when he runs well, Philadelphia Jim doesn't appear capable of staying with Don Six early.

Maybry's Boy has never been worse than second in three lifetime starts at Delaware, including a win over high-priced optional claimers while posting a career-best 101 Beyer last month.

True Direction finished second, beaten less than two lengths by Don Six, in an overnight stakes July 3. He's dangerous if he puts forth an effort similar to the one he ran in a winning performance worth a 103 Beyer two starts ago.