Santa Anita: Blingo to stick to dirt

ARCADIA, Calif. – Blingo began his career on turf and has raced mostly on turf and synthetic surfaces during an oft-interrupted career, but a recent win at Belmont Park, coupled with strong subsequent works, has convinced trainer John Shirreffs that dirt is his preferred surface, so he will remain on dirt for the Grade 2, $200,000 San Pasqual Stakes for older horses Saturday.

Being that Blingo is a son of turf star Artie Schiller, it’s easy to see why Shirreffs initially leaned toward a grass campaign for Blingo. But in his second start following an 11-month layoff, Blingo captured the I’m a Banker Stakes on dirt during the fall meeting at Belmont Park, earning a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 95.

“We found out he really likes dirt,” said Shirreffs, who worked Blingo seven furlongs in 1:25.20 at Hollywood Park on Friday.

“How often do I do that?” Shirreffs said of the rapid work. “He’s really training well for this race. I really like him a lot.”

The San Pasqual, at 1 1/16 miles, also is expected to attract Blueskiesnrainbows, Drill, Majestic City, Majestic Harbor, and Rousing Sermon. Blueskiesnrainbows and Rousing Sermon finished first and third in the Grade 3 Native Diver last month at Hollywood Park.

Two other nominees to the San Pasqual, Flashback and Heir of Storm, are expected to await the Grade 2, $200,000 Strub Stakes for 4-year-olds on Jan. 18.