Tampa Bay Downs: Grantitz selects easier path for Laser Cat
OLDSMAR, Fla. – With the $100,000 Lightning City Stakes coming up next weekend, trainer Tony Granitz had to weigh his options for Laser Cat, a fast turf sprinter who has won 2 of 3 lifetime starts. Ultimately, Granitz decided to pass the stakes and run his 4-year-old filly against optional-claiming company Saturday. Laser Cat will most likely be favored against nine rivals in the about five-furlong grass race.
In her most recent start, Laser Cat finished fourth in a race moved from turf to a sloppy main track due to rain. Laser Cat contested the pace to midstretch that day before weakening against the talented Ageless, a winner of 5 of 10 starts.
That was the first defeat for Laser Cat, who won at first asking here last March while covering about five furlongs on the turf in a creditable 56.80 seconds. In her second career start, Laser Cat came off a seven-month break to capture an allowance sprint over the Churchill Downs turf last November. Daniel Centeno will ride Saturday.
Laser Cat, a daughter of Tale of the Cat, will garner a good bit of support at the windows but there are several other interesting runners in the lineup, including Taty’s Gold, an eight-time winner from the Mike Dini barn who will be making her first start since September. Taty’s Gold possesses a high turn of early speed and is expected to contest the pace under Lori Keith. She has been training solidly for her return to action.
The Real McCoy, who exits the fastest mile turf race of the current stand, is a late-runner who could benefit from the expected hot early pace of this race. The Real McCoy gets red-hot Ronnie Allen Jr. in the saddle.
Lorelei’s Song is another speed horse. Trained by Arnaud Delacour, Lorelei’s Song won at first asking over the main track here in April 2012. She won a turf sprint optional claimer at Colonial Downs last July. She has been training smartly for her first start since September and should be prominent from the rail under Angel Serpa.
One Wild Fire is 2 for 3 lifetime sprinting on the turf, while Lady Raven, a five-time winner, turns back in distance for the Jamie Ness stable.