Santa Anita: Toowindytohaulrox prepping for longer assignment in turf sprint

ARCADIA, Calif. – At some point in his career, Toowindytohaulrox could find himself in a must-win situation. It will not be Thursday at Santa Anita.

Toowindytohaulrox is among the favorites in race 7, a first-level optional $80,000 claiming turf sprint for 3-year-olds he can win, even though trainer Phil D’Amato believes his future is around two turns.

“I thought he’d need the downhill race to set him up to go long,” D’Amato said. “I think he’ll be even more effective going two turns.”

Toowindytohaulrox has run well on the hill twice already. He won a maiden race and finished second in the $100,000 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. His three-race campaign last year was enough, and gives his connections much to look forward to when distances increase.

“The way he’s galloped out, the way he trains, and what my riders say – I know he wants to go longer,” D’Amato said.

This poses a wagering dilemma. Toowindytohaulrox is the best horse Thursday, but only prepping. So long as he finishes well, even if he does not win, mission accomplished.

Toowindytohaulrox, by Harlan’s Holiday, is one of 11 horses D’Amato trains on his own; he also is the assistant to trainer Mike Mitchell. Toowindytohaulrox is owned by the Queen Bee Racing Stable of Becky, Clay, and Todd Wanta. Mike Smith rides.

A field of seven were entered in the 6 1/2-furlong race, and while Toowindytohaulrox could fall short in his first start since Nov. 2, there is no pre-race alibi for the horse to his outside, Street Icon.

Street Icon finished second three weeks ago in a main-track sprint, a half-length behind the 2-for-2 sprinter Chitu. It was the first start in six months for Street Icon, who switches surfaces Thursday. He is by Street Boss, whose progeny have won 20 percent on turf.

Jerry Hollendorfer trains Street Icon, who will be ridden by Corey Nakatani. The colt needs only slight improvement to win his second start back.

Bourne Hot faces winners after a big Hollywood maiden score last month. Doug O’Neill trains Bourne Hot, who won the turf sprint by more than four lengths in a field that produced two next-out winners. Leading rider Rafael Bejarano rides Bourne Hot.

O’Neill also entered import Recanted, whose juvenile campaign in England began with a debut victory followed by three dull efforts. Recanted will make his U.S. debut under jockey Mario Gutierrez, whose career record on the Santa Anita downhill is 3 for 63.

Gangnam Guy is shortening up and switching to turf as a first-time gelding. Oh Daddy Oh could be the speed of the field. He breaks from the outside in his first start on turf.

Station House won his career debut last summer at Del Mar, and then misfired twice in stakes. Proven fresh, he makes his first start since October. Favorites have delivered with regularity this winter, winning 46 percent of all races (51 for 112). Favorites in turf sprints have been even more successful, winning 7 of 12.