So Lucky looks to rebound in Auburn Stakes
So Lucky will try to make amends for his loss as the 3-5 favorite in his first start as a sophomore when he runs in the $50,000 Auburn Stakes at Emerald Downs on Sunday. The six-furlong dash for 3-year-olds drew eight horses, and there isn’t much doubt that So Lucky will be the one they have to run down.
Trained by Howard Belvoir, So Lucky was never headed in four sprints as a 2-year-old. His only loss in five starts last year came when he was unable to carry his considerable speed around two turns in the $75,000 Gottstein Futurity, which covered 1 1/16 miles.
As usual, he broke like a rocket and quickly opened up three lengths on the field in an open allowance race in his first start this year. However, jockey Rocco Bowen gave him a breather, and he was only a half-length in front of eventual winner Keller’s Gold after a quarter-mile in 22.90 seconds, easily the slowest split in any of his sprints.
So Lucky had surrendered the lead after a moderate half-mile in 45.91 seconds. Compare that with the 44.22 and 44.14 half-mile splits he posted while romping in the Emerald Downs Express and WTBOA Lads last year, and you get the idea that the rating tactics backfired.
Expect a different strategy Sunday.
“When you take a hold of him, he thinks the race is over,” Belvoir said. “Rocco is a great rider, and I understand what he was trying to do. This time, we’re going to let him roll, and they are going to have to come and catch us.”
So Lucky drew post 7, with Bowen retaining the mount.
Considering how hot trainer Blaine Wright is – 10 for 21 at the meet – it wouldn’t be surprising to see Aqua Frio sent off as the favorite.
Aqua Frio is coming off a runner-up finish going one mile in the $75,000 Gold Rush at Golden Gate Fields on Dec. 3.
KEY CONTENDERS
So Lucky, by Coast Guard
Last 3 Beyers: 57-54-79
◗ He’s had three solid works since his shocking loss and could take a big step forward with a race behind him. Catch him if you can.
Aqua Frio, by Uncle Mo
Last 3 Beyers: 68-69-70
◗ A winner going long on turf and short on Tapeta, he also ran well while finishing second in all four of his starts on dirt. The horse who beat him in his second start at Santa Anita, Klimt, won the Grade 2 Best Pal and Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity for trainer Bob Baffert in his next two outings.
Monydontspenitself, by Street Boss
Last 2 Beyers: 60-56
◗ Making just his second start and his first this year for trainer Kay Cooper, he just missed to Keller’s Gold in a race he may have needed.
◗ The well-bred Kentucky-bred could be dangerous from a stalking position.
