Smarty River Pants looks imposing in Birdcatcher Stakes

Smarty River Pants will try to keep his perfect record intact when he runs in the $50,000 Birdcatcher Stakes on Saturday at Northlands Park. He is clearly the one to beat in the 6 1/2-furlong dash for 2-year-olds, which drew seven horses.

Trained by Tim Rycroft, Smarty River Pants was very impressive winning the $57,000 Princess Margaret Stakes by nine lengths in his second start July 28. He cost himself a length or two when he broke outward from the outside post in the six-furlong dash, but he gathered himself quickly and contested the early lead without any serious urging from jockey Wilber Galviz. Galviz gave Smarty River Pants his cue at the quarter pole, and he immediately responded and drew off to win decisively. He was under wraps inside the final sixteenth or the margin would have been larger.

“He ran a little green,” Rycroft said. “He’s a big horse but very athletic. My biggest concern with him is that he is a bit nervous and gets a little rattled in the paddock. We’ve been working with him, so hopefully he’ll be a bit more settled Saturday.”

Smarty River Pants will break from the outside post with Galviz retaining the mount.

The main threat is Coco Tiger, who romped by 7 1/2 lengths going 3 1/2 furlongs in his only start, a maiden special weight race Aug. 4 at Northlands.

“I would have liked to have had a five and one-half furlong race for him, but the race didn’t fill,” trainer Greg Tracy said. “He’s a nice colt and he should get a good trip from the inside.”

Coco Tiger will break from post 2 with Keishan Balgobin retaining the mount.

KEY CONTENDERS

Smarty River Pants, by Afleet Alex

Beyers: 62-64

◗ The Riversedge Racing Stables homebred was much the best in both of his starts, and with a two-turn sprint behind him he should have an edge over Coco Tiger, who will likely be the one they have to run down.

Coco Tiger, by Twirling Candy

Beyer: 62

◗ Being out of a Grade 3-placed dam who won three stakes and earned $469,113, he has the pedigree to be a decent horse.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: The past five years at Northlands, Tracy has a 26 percent strike rate and $1.50 return on investment in 2-year-old stakes races.

I Play to Win, by Silent Name

Beyer: 25

◗ Also trained by Rycroft, he came from a stalking position to easily win his debut at 5 1/2 furlongs. He could pick up the pieces if Coco Tiger and Smarty River Pants get carried away early.