Sam Houston: Broberg's optons for Heitai include Sam Houston Sprint Cup

Heitai, who has been turning out triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures on a regular basis since November, could make his next start at Sam Houston Race Park, said his trainer, Karl Broberg. The horse is being considered for one of two upcoming stakes, he said, the other being at Fair Grounds.

Heitai set a five-furlong track record in the $100,000 Louisiana Premier Night Sprint at Delta Downs in his most recent out Feb. 1. For the effort he earned a Beyer of 104. It was Heitai’s third consecutive stakes win, and Broberg has been debating the horse’s next move with owner Rowell Enterprises.

“We’re keeping our options open,” Broberg said. “There’s that six-furlong stakes coming up at the Fair Grounds, where we’d probably have to hook Delauney. Another one on our radar is late this month at Sam Houston. Those are the two we’re considering right now.”

The $100,000 Duncan F. Kenner is at Fair Grounds on March 8, while the $50,000 Sam Houston Sprint Cup at six furlongs is Feb. 22.

Heitai has put up triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures in four of his last five starts in a streak that began with an 18-length allowance win at Delta on Nov. 1. He earned a Beyer of 106. From there, he was seventh in the $75,000 Sam’s Town at two turns at Delta before cutting back to one turn and winning the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint at Fair Grounds with a Beyer of 104, the track’s $60,000 Costa Rising with a 101, and the Premier Night Sprint.

Down the line, Broberg said turf might be an option for Heitai.

“One of these days I’d love to get him on the grass,” Broberg said.

Heitai, a 4-year-old by Fusaichi Pegasus, is based at Delta Downs.

Walt to Sunland or Oaklawn

Trainer Chris Hartman said Walt, the runner-up in the $150,000 Smarty Jones at Oaklawn in his most recent out Jan. 20, is under consideration for one of two stakes for his next start. He said the Grade 3, $300,000 Southwest at Oaklawn on Feb. 17 is one, while the other is the $120,000 Mine That Bird Derby to be run at Sunland Park on Feb. 22.

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“The Southwest is possible for the horse, but I wouldn’t say 100 percent,” Hartman said. “It sounds like it’s shaping up to be tough. He could possibly run in the Mine That Bird at Sunland.”

The Southwest is expected to draw Grade 1 winner Strong Mandate and Grade 2 winner Tapiture. The field for the Mine That Bird could include Rebranded, who won his maiden in the Riley Allison Futurity late last year at Sunland.

The Mine That Bird is the prep for the Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Park Derby on March 23.

As for Walt, he will probably have an equipment change for his next start, said Hartman.

“We fitted him with blinkers, been training him with blinkers,” he said. “Most likely he’ll have his next start with blinkers on.”

Walt is a winner of two of four starts for Black Hawk Stable.