Pure Tactics eyes Green Flash, Breeders' Cup

DEL MAR, Calif. - Pure Tactics has the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita in his long-term future.

On Friday, Pure Tactics won his second consecutive race in an optional claimer over five furlongs on turf. The victory, which came over five stakes winners, has left trainer Doug O’Neill thinking of running Pure Tactics in the $90,000 Green Flash Handicap on Aug. 13 and, later, the Breeders’ Cup.

Pure Tactics won the Siren Lure Stakes on the hillside turf course June 1 at Santa Anita, his first stakes win in California. Last year, he won the Barksdale Handicap over a mile on turf at Louisiana Downs.

In Friday’s race, Pure Tactics closed from fifth in a field of eight to win by a length over pacesetter Arkeny Hill. Caracortado, starting for the first time since finishing fourth in the Grade 3 Eddie D Stakes last September, finished third.

Pure Tactics, who races for Doug Cole, has won 7 of 16 starts and earned $261,011. The Eddie D Stakes at Santa Anita on Sept. 26 could figure in the plans for Pure Tactics if he runs well in the Green Flash over five furlongs on turf.