Stryker Phd looks to cap perfect meet
AUBURN, Wash. – Stryker Phd, the hero of the Grade 3 Longacres Mile in his last start, will try to cap a second consecutive perfect season at Emerald Downs with a victory in the $60,000 Muckleshoot Tribal Classic during the Washington Cup Day festivities Sunday. Restricted to statebreds, the race lured just five entrants, and Stryker Phd towers over the other four.
Stryker Phd extended his Emerald Downs winning streak to seven races – all stakes – with his one-length victory over Sammy Mandeville in the Aug. 16 Longacres Mile, and the 6-year-old gelding has continued to thrive for trainer Larry Ross.
“He came out of the Mile really well, and he had a great work the other day, five furlongs in 57 and 2,” Ross said Friday. “He’s ready.”
Stryker Phd earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 99 for his Longacres Mile victory while running his typical race. After settling far behind the early leaders, he kicked into gear past the three-eighths pole and swept to the lead with a quick burst of speed at the top of the stretch. Ross said it was his best effort, even better than his victory over Boyett in the 2014 Longacres Mile.
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“It was pretty damn impressive,” Ross said. “It was the better Mile of the two as far as competition goes, and he just did his thing as usual. He goes by ’em so fast, it’s hard to believe sometimes. One minute, you’re, ‘Is he going to make it?’ and then the next, he’s two in front and cruising.”
For those reasons and more, Stryker Phd will be a prohibitive favorite, even if the shape of the race might put him and jockey Leslie Mawing at a serious disadvantage. Noosito, who helped set a suicidal pace in the Longacres Mile – six furlongs in 1:08.83 – could have the lead all to himself in this rematch. Things could get interesting if Noosito can slow it down early, though Ross didn’t seem too concerned.
“Stryker’s got a little more speed than people think; he’s never had to use it,” Ross said. “I would think Leslie will be able to judge the pace. Westley has some speed, too; Noosito isn’t the only one. It won’t be a 25 quarter. But Stryker will adapt and do his best. He always does.”
Stryker Phd, who has started just three times in 2015, will remain in training at Golden Gate Fields this fall, Ross said. He is likely to make at least one start at Santa Anita and then compete in the Grade 3 Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate on Nov. 28.
KEY CONTENDERS
Stryker Phd (Last 3 Beyers: 99-95-98)
◗ Stryker Phd has earned Beyers of 99, 95, 98, 97, 91, 97, and 96 during his run of seven consecutive Emerald Downs stakes victories.
Noosito (Last 3 Beyers: 89-91-98)
◗ A full brother to 2010 Longacres Mile winner Noosa Beach, Noosito has yet to win during his 4-year-old campaign. But Noosito gave Stryker Phd a major scare June 14, missing by a neck in the one-mile Budweiser Handicap.
◗ Noosito has a stakes victory at this distance: He led gate to wire in the Seattle Slew Handicap for 3-year-olds last July. He’ll try to spring an upset Sunday with similar tactics.