'Sweet' in her kind of spot

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Horses either take to turf sprints or they don't.

Those who do often becomes specialists who excell at the short distances on grass.

Trainer Cliff DeLima has such a specialist for Monday's feature, a $25,000 optional claimer for fillies and mares at five furlongs on turf: Sweet Kendall Jo.

"Some just love the turf and the short distance," said trainer Cliff DeLima. "I've seen a lot win from off the pace even at that short distance."

Sweet Kendall Jo has two wins and a second in her three starts this year, each coming at five furlongs on turf. Although she has been running for a $12,500 claiming price, she is extremely sharp now.

"She's in tough. She's about a 12-five," DeLima said. "But if she gets away and nobody pushes her, she'll be hard to beat."

She should be a big factor despite drawing the outside 10 post for the second straight race. Sweet Kendall Jo set the pace before being worn down by Swiss Ladybug in her May 28 comeback here. She then recorded two wire-to-wire victories at Santa Rosa, first from the rail, then from post 10.

Despite her speed, Sweet Kendall Jo may not get the lead here.

Jazznwithcandy has run half-mile splits of 43.04 and 44.03 seconds at Hollywood Park this year. Ultimate Summer has run splits of 43.91 and 44.38 in her two turf sprints.

"You get faster times down there," said DeLima. "If they go with me, I don't think they'll get anything, but we might not either."

Sounds Like a Plan, to be ridden by Russell Baze, who rode Sweet Kendall Jo in both Santa Rosa victories, also is very quick early.

Getaway Grace has good speed herself, but seems willing to take a stalking role and could benefit most from a pace duel.