Subtle Indian brings big Beyer into Hot Springs
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – No horse has put up a better Beyer Speed Figure at the current Oaklawn Park meet than Subtle Indian, who last month popped a 102. He will move into stakes company Saturday for the $100,000 Hot Springs and should start as a strong favorite with Ivan Fallunovalot to be scratched, according to trainer Tom Howard.
The Hot Springs, at six furlongs, is the final local stepping-stone to the Grade 3, $400,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap here April 10. The field, expected to be reduced to six, also includes Alsvid, who won the Count Fleet in 2015, and Grade 3 winners Den’s Legacy and Hebbronville.
But most eyes will be on Subtle Indian, who will be seeking his third straight win at the meet. His streak began in an optional $50,000 claiming race Jan. 15, for which he earned a 95 Beyer, and continued in the optional $62,500 claimer at six furlongs Feb. 13, in which he blitzed his rivals to record his first triple-digit Beyer.
Hot Springs, Race 8
KEY CONTENDERS
Subtle Indian, by Indian Charlie
Last 3 Beyers: 102-95-0
◗ He has been on top of his game since returning from a six-month layoff in January, with his two wins this season at Oaklawn improving his overall record to 5 for 7.
“Ever since we brought him back, he’s just been a completely different horse,” said Robertino Diodoro, who trains Subtle Indian for Mercedes Stable. “We always liked the horse. You can see on his form two bad races and some time off, and he had minor throat surgery. He’s come back a completely different horse – his whole attitude.”
◗ Subtle Indian broke like a rocket ship in his last start and quickly assumed command of the optional $62,500 claimer en route to a 2 1/4-length win under Ramon Vazquez. Vazquez will be aboard again Saturday, when the pair starts from the rail.
“It was the first time Ramon rode him the other day,” Diodoro said, “and he came back and said to my assistant, ‘Holy cow, this horse is fast! He almost left me in the gate!’ ”
◗ Diodoro said a goal for Subtle Indian, who last year won the $100,000 Gazebo at Oaklawn, is the Count Fleet.
Ivan Fallunovalot, by Valid Expectations
Last 3 Beyers: 99-94-101
◗ Howard said five-time stakes winner Ivan Fallunovalot will scratch after he was diagnosed with a quarter crack last week that was patched. He was entered Wednesday, and the race was debated until Thursday.
“We didn’t have enough time,” Howard said. “We missed a work, and we didn’t feel comfortable with it. We’ll get ready for the Count Fleet.”