Sprint contenders escape from Grade 1 winners

DEL MAR, Calif. – With company lines that include Grade 1 winners Lord Nelson and Masochistic, it is no wonder Kafister and Heir of Storm are top contenders Wednesday in the allowance feature at Del Mar.

An evenly matched field of six 3-year-olds and up will race 6 1/2 furlongs in a salty optional $80,000 claiming race. The race is tough, but not as tough as the most recent race for some in the field.

Kafister, Clever Royal, and Cherubim were no match for Lord Nelson the last time they raced. Lord Nelson has won two straight Grade 1 races to emerge as the early favorite for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Heir of Storm was no match for Masochistic, a Grade 1 winner last year whose smashing comeback launched a campaign geared toward the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Class relief arrives Wednesday for them.

The front-running Heir of Storm, the 2-1 program favorite, benefits from a speed-friendly track profile. Five of the 14 races at this meet at 6 1/2 furlongs were won by the pacesetter; 10 were won by a horse positioned within one length of the lead after the first quarter-mile.

Heir of Storm, however, is likely to be hounded by Kafister, an 11-time winner with sharp recent works and appealing 7-2 program odds. If the pace melts down, the route-to-sprint dropper Songforjohnmichael has an upset chance. Anytime Anyplace also was entered.

KEY CONTENDERS

Kafister, by Kafwain

Last 3 Beyers: 82-90-91

◗ Since being claimed two years ago for $20,000 by trainer David Bernstein, Kafister has won six of 16 starts and earned $225,200.

◗ Kent Desormeaux rides Kafister, who breaks from the outside post and figures for a pressing trip while racing in the clear.

◗ Kafister won at the third-level condition in an optional claimer two starts back; he races Wednesday for the optional $80,000 claiming price.

Heir of Storm, by Wildcat Heir

Last 3 Beyers: 94-97-82

◗ Claimed four starts back for $50,000 by trainer Richard Baltas, Heir of Storm has earned $40,000 since then by winning one of three starts for his new connections.

◗ The allowance race Wednesday is the first start for Heir of Storm on Del Mar dirt; his previous main-track starts at Del Mar were on synthetic.

◗ Baltas and Heir of Storm’s jockey, Rafael Bejarano, are 5 for 8 this year with sprint favorites.

Cherubim, by Henny Hughes

Last 3 Beyers: 82-90-86

◗ Two of his three wins were in the first start back from a layoff, and he returns Wednesday from a two-month layoff for trainer Phil D’Amato.

◗ D’Amato and Cherubim’s jockey, Tiago Pereira, are 4 for 5 together over the past two months.

Songforjohnmichael, by Songandaprayer

Last 3 Beyers: 89-88-98

◗ A cutback to a sprint and a drop in class benefit Songforjohnmichael. He disappointed in three route stakes at Santa Anita but is 2 for 2 in main-track sprints.