Tashkent tries to take next step in sprint feature

Tashkent looks to continue his ascent up the class ladder Wednesday, when he starts as a leading contender in the featured sixth race at Louisiana Downs.

He goes in an optional $25,000 claiming sprint for 3-year-olds and up over seven furlongs. The card also includes an optional $17,500 claiming sprint for Louisiana-breds that drew stakes winners Bending Saint, Halfmoon Reef, and Scotty Boy.

Tashkent stepped up his game over the spring. He won a $16,000 claiming route by 3 3/4 lengths on April 16 at Oaklawn – after breaking from post 10. Tashkent then came back and was second by three-quarters of a length in a $32,000 claiming race at the same track – and same 1 1/16-mile distance – in his most recent start May 1.

“It was a good effort,” said John Prather Jr., who trains Tashkent. “He just got beat by a little better horse. He ran his race. That was a big step up from his last race.

“He’s a real consistent horse, and I think he’s improved a lot. I think he’ll be okay in the spot we’ve got him in.”

Tashkent faces nine others and owns the field’s best last-race Beyer Speed Figure, an 85. He could go favored or start as second choice to Alexandros, who enters off a $15,000 claiming win at 6 1/2 furlongs June 2 at Lone Star Park.

Alexandros earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 80. He is trained by Karl Broberg, who is winning races at a 45 percent rate at Louisiana Downs. Jack Gilligan has the mount from post 3.

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Tashkent will break from post 6 under Kevin Smith. As for the cutback to one turn, Prather feels the horse will handle the distance move Wednesday.

“He has good tactical speed,” he said. “I think he’ll be all right.”

Tashkent races for Glynn Puryer Jr. He is a son of Arch, who won the 1998 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs. Tashkent’s dam, Hello Maggie May, is a two-time stakes winner who earned $264,687.

The field Wednesday also includes McFeely, winner of the $50,000 John Henry on turf last July at Evangeline Downs, and Double Star, a multiple stakes winner for trainer Bob Schultz.