Positive Side tries to regroup in turf sprint

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – One year ago this weekend, a Triple Crown was on the line at Belmont Park, where Positive Side ran in the Grade 3 Jaipur on the Belmont Stakes undercard.

Although he ultimately failed to menace, Positive Side was sent away at just 7-1 in the Jaipur on account of the good form he brought to the race. One year later, his form has failed to cycle back, and when the featured race is run Friday at Churchill Downs, Positive Side will be in for a $62,500 claiming option.

“Clearly, it’s class relief, but it’s no easy spot,” said trainer Grant Forster. “We’re hoping he bounces back with a good effort, although anything can and does happen in these grass sprints.”

Assuming the five-furlong race stays on grass as scheduled (there’s a minimal chance of rain in the forecast), as many as eight older horses will oppose Positive Side in the seventh of nine Friday races, which offers a purse of $54,000. It’s branded as a second-level allowance, but the reality is that all but two entries – Snowday and the lone main-track-only entrant, Gambler’s Ghost – are in for the optional tag.

Positive Side, a 7-year-old gelding, will have leading jockey Corey Lanerie aboard when breaking from the outside post.

A $52,000 allowance (race 9) is also on a Friday program that starts at the usual 12:45 p.m. Eastern. It’s also scheduled for turf, albeit at 1 1/16 miles, and drew an oversubscribed lineup of 3-year-olds.

◗ The Saturday feature at Churchill is the Grade 3, $100,000 Mint Julep Handicap for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on turf. The race will be run well before the simulcast of the Belmont.

KEY CONTENDERS

Positive Side (Last 3 Beyers: 81-83-74)

◗ He went on quite a nice tear last spring when second in the Colonel Power, second in the Shakertown, and third in the Twin Spires Turf Sprint, but none of his efforts since last August have been as sharp.

◗ He does come favorably drawn in an outside hole, which should give Lanerie clear sailing to launch a late rally.

Saint Leon (Last 3 Beyers: 80-89-96)

◗ This Chicago shipper has racked up more than $400,000 in career earnings while competing mostly in this niche, although it’s been nearly five months since he last had a race; he does show a decent set of Arlington works for a highly competent outfit (Michele Boyce).

Tripski (Last 3 Beyers: 81-84-83)

◗ This Eddie Kenneally “house horse” stands to benefit from his third-place finish in the May 15 race in which a couple of these others also started (Loud Cat, Ali’s Birthday); he does his best from just off it.