Speeding Comet auditions for stakes
ELMONT, N.Y. – Trainer John Toscano thinks enough of Speeding Comet that should the 5-year-old perform to his expectations in Thursday’s feature at Belmont Park, he would consider seeking an invitation to the Grade 3, $300,000 Jaipur on June 11.
“He’s a nice little horse,” Toscano said Monday. “If he stays sound, we’ll have some fun with him.”
Toscano hopes the fun begins Thursday, when Speeding Comet heads a full field in a second-level/optional $62,500 claiming race scheduled for seven furlongs over Belmont’s Widener turf course.
Toscano claimed Speeding Comet for $35,000 last June. After running him twice going long without success, Toscano cut him back to sprint distances, slapped a pair of blinkers on him, and the horse has a second, a win, and a third in three starts since.
“He kept checking in his races, so we put the blinkers on, and they seemed to help,” Toscano said.
Speeding Comet finished third in this condition May 8 over yielding turf.
“He doesn’t like soft turf,” Toscano said. “He likes it [firm].”
Speeding Comet will break from the outside post in what will be a 10-horse field provided the race stays on turf. There are six horses entered for the main track only.
Zandar and Saratoga Dreaming are scheduled to make their 4-year-old debuts in this spot after having some success last year. Summer Breezing makes his first start off the claim by Danny Gargan for Midwest Thoroughbreds.
KEY CONTENDERS
Speeding Comet, by Sky Mesa
Last 3 Beyers: 89-97-89
◗ Both of his wins last year came over this course, including a first-level allowance score on firm ground going seven furlongs last Oct. 11.
◗ May not have cared for the course condition and perhaps needed a race when third of five in this condition May 8.
◗ His last three races, with blinkers on, have been his best from a Beyer Speed Figure standpoint.
Zandar, by Kitten’s Joy
Last 3 Beyers: 83-81-91
◗ Makes his first start since Aug. 6, when he finished seventh of 10 to Ready for Rye in the Quick Call Stakes at Saratoga.
“He comes back a slightly bigger, much more filled-out individual,” trainer Tom Morley said. “He looks a picture. Seven-eighths is his best trip, but I’d rather start the year at three-quarters. I think he’ll run a big, big race. He’s got plenty of breezing under his belt.”
Summer Breezing, Langfuhr
Last 3 Beyers: 88-75-89
◗ He’s a horse for the course, with three wins from five starts at Belmont, including two at seven furlongs.
◗ He was claimed for $40,000 out of a win and is being offered for the $62,500 tag on Thursday.
◗ In May 2012, he won a listed stakes going seven furlongs here.