Scarlet Fusion eyes Gulfstream turf marathons after Connally Turf Cup win
Scarlet Fusion has some upcoming stakes options at Gulfstream Park after his career performance Saturday in the Grade 3, $200,000 John B. Connally Turf Cup at Sam Houston Race Park.
Scarlet Fusion won over 1 1/2 miles in the Connally, which was part of the Houston Racing Festival. He rallied for a three-quarter-length victory and earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 96.
“We’re really pleased,” said Joe Sharp, who trains Scarlet Fusion for Carl Moore and Brad Grady. “He came out of the race super, shipped back to Fair Grounds. We’re excited with the options the grass has opened up for him.”
Sharp said Scarlet Fusion would be considered for the upcoming marathon turf stakes at Gulfstream Park. The Grade 2, $200,000 Mac Diarmida at 1 3/8 miles is March 4, and the Grade 2, $200,000 Pan American at 1 1/2 miles is April 1.
Scarlet Fusion had won over 1 1/2 miles on dirt in November at Churchill Downs two starts out from the Connally, and Sharp said he wants to focus on marathon races for the horse. Scarlet Fusion came into the Connally off a third-place finish in the $200,000 Tinsel at 1 1/8 miles at Oaklawn. Sharp said he also would consider that track’s $150,000 Temperence Hill at 1 1/2 miles on dirt April 1.
“Everything with him is distance,” Sharp said. “Obviously, he’s comfortable either surface. He’s a specialist at the distance and those [marathon] races are hard to find.”
Scarlet Fusion is a son of Curlin and a half-brother to Grade 1 winners Tara’s Tango and Visionaire.
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