Ransom the Moon may target San Carlos Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. - A move to sprints has redefined Ransom the Moon’s career this spring, and launched discussions regarding which races to use as a goal this summer and fall.

Ransom the Moon won his stakes debut in the Grade 2 Kona Gold Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita on Saturday and is a candidate for the Grade 2 San Carlos Stakes at seven furlongs on July 1.

“I think the seven-eighths distance will suit him very well,” trainer Phil D’Amato said.

After that, owner Mark Martinez and Jeffry Wilke and D’Amato may have a decision to make.

Ransom the Moon seems like a candidate for two Breeders’ Cup race categories – the Dirt Mile on Nov.3 or the Sprint at six furlongs on Nov. 4. The Breeders’ Cup will be held at Del Mar this year.

“It’s a good problem to have,” D’Amato said on Sunday.

Del Mar has two races that provide automatic berths to the Breeders’ Cup. The winner of the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at six furlongs on July 29 earns a berth in the BC Sprint. The winner of the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien Stakes at seven furlongs on Aug. 26 earns a berth in the BC Dirt Mile.

Ransom the Moon was bought privately last winter. A 5-year-old horse, Ransom the Moon ran in optional claimers and allowance races around two turns on turf and the synthetic track at Woodbine in recent years.