Tether to Reality faces nine others in turf debut

OLDSMAR, Fla. – Tether to Reality had to wait until he was 5 to make his career debut, so going an extra month before making his first start on turf was nothing new for the half-brother of 2016 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Tourist. Tether to Reality is part of a full field of 10 older horses entered for the featured sixth race at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday, a first-level, $22,500 allowance going 1 1/16 miles on grass.

Tether to Reality romped in his career debut here Jan. 6, scoring by 3 1/2 lengths in a $20,000 maiden special weight sprint on the main track for trainer Joan Scott and owners Klaravich Stables and Nick de Meric. He was scheduled to make his turf debut here Feb. 4 but was scratched after spiking a temperature, de Meric said.

Tether to Reality's siblings suggest that turf racing will be his game. Led by Tourist, the foals of his dam, Unbridled Melody, have combined to go 10 for 34 and earn $2.42 million on turf in North America. The dam has consistently produced quality runners, including the stakes winners Michael With Us, Harlan’s Harmony, and Mountain Music Man.

“He’s doing really well at the moment, and I’m hopeful that we’ll have a good showing Saturday,” de Meric said of Tether to Reality. “We’ve been looking forward to seeing what he can do on turf, and obviously his pedigree says turf, so I’m hopeful that he’ll really take to it.”

KEY CONTENDERS (Race 6)

Tether to Reality, by Harlan’s Holiday
Beyer: 79

◗ He’s had two five-furlong workouts this month after being scratched out of a race last month. Victor Lebron retains the mount from post 2.

Red Zone, by Macho Uno
Last 3 Beyers: 79-65-75

◗ He rallied to finish a fine second to King of Diamonds in a similar race Feb. 25 and might be poised for another step forward while making his third start following a layoff of almost 10 months. His 79 Beyer Speed Figure ties Tether to Reality for the highest last-race mark in Saturday’s field.

Crimson Hayes, by Red Giant
Last 3 Beyers: 76-75-69

◗ He most recently finished fifth, beaten 3 1/2 lengths, in the same race that Red Zone exits. He pressed the pace that day and might benefit from the cutback to 1 1/16 miles from 1 1/8 miles. He also will get leading rider Daniel Centeno for the first time.

Barefoot Cove, by Telling
Last 3 Beyers: 75-74-36

◗ He finished seventh in that Feb. 25 race and, like Red Zone, will be making the third start of his form cycle. He convincingly won his turf debut Jan. 22 here over $16,000 maiden claimers.