Quick Enough earns spot in BC Turf Sprint

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The ex-claimer Quick Enough won his first stakes in Monday’s $100,000 Morvich Handicap at Hollywood Park at an ideal time.

The winner of the Grade 3 Morvich earned a berth to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs on Nov. 6 through the Breeders’ Cup’s Win and You’re In program, subject to the payment of entry fees.

Trainer Doug O’Neill indicated after the race that partners Michael Bello, Russ Sarno, and Pablo Suarez may send the 6-year-old gelding to Churchill Downs for the $1 million turf race over five furlongs.

“It’s a strong possibility,” O’Neill said.

Quick Enough would need to be nominated to the BC program for $100,000 to be eligible for entry and starter fees, O’Neill said.

In the Morvich, Quick Enough ($7.60) ran six furlongs on turf in 1:08.42 under jockey Patrick Valenzuela, catching pacesetter Lt. Hopeful in early stretch and holding off a late run from Dilemma to win by 1 1/2 lengths. Dilemma finished a neck in front of Scenic Blast in the field of nine. Scenic Blast was the 8-5 favorite.

Quick Enough was claimed for $40,000 at Del Mar on Aug. 5, a day he won an optional claimer over five furlongs on turf. In his first start for his current owners and trainer, Quick Enough was a troubled second in the Green Flash Handicap over five furlongs on turf on Aug. 18.

A California-bred by High Brite, Quick Enough has won 7 of 14 starts and $276,120.