Tether to Reality's pedigree a boost in first turf race

OLDSMAR, Fla. – Having made only one start, Tether to Reality is the least-experienced horse in the featured race at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday, but his pedigree and impressive debut just might make him the favorite in the first-level, $22,500 allowance going one mile on grass.

Tether to Reality, a $250,000 yearling purchase, was produced by the Unbridled’s Song mare Unbridled Melody, who is the dam of Tourist, the winner of the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Mile. She also produced the stakes winners Michael With Us, Harlan’s Harmony, and Mountain Music Man, and her foals have combined to go 10 for 33 on turf in North America, with $2.42 million in earnings.

That turf-slanted pedigree should make Tether to Reality tough to handle in race 8, which drew a full field of 10 older horses and one also-eligible. Tether to Reality, a 5-year-old gelding by Harlan’s Holiday, made his career debut on dirt Jan. 6, romping by 3 1/2 lengths in a six-furlong sprint and earning a 79 Beyer Speed Figure.

Trainer Joan Scott said that since Tampa Bay Downs doesn’t allow breezes on its turf course, Tether to Reality hasn’t worked on grass, but there are several reasons why she’s expecting a big effort.

“His pedigree especially,” she said. “I’m really happy with how he’s training and how he came out of his race. I was a little bit worried [in his debut] because I don’t think he’s a sprinter, I think he’s a two-turn horse, so I was a little bit worried that we were asking him to do something that wasn’t ideal for him, so I was really pleased and really impressed with him.”

Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

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

◗ Co-owner Nick de Meric said sore shins and foot problems prevented the horse from starting until age 5, but he appears to be doing well now, having breezed twice since his victory, including a solid five furlongs in 1:01.40 on Jan. 18.

Hardly Home, by Hard Spun
Last 3 Beyers: 79-86-82

◗ Trainer Shug McGaughey is 3 for 7 at the meet with two second-place finishes and adds blinkers for this gelding’s 4-year-old debut after watching him lose four straight first-level turf allowances. His speed figures make him a real contender, however.

Cite, by Blame
Last 3 Beyers: 80-69-77

◗ He’s also lost four straight allowances after winning his maiden for trainer Bill Mott, who is 2 for 6 at the meet. He has the field’s highest last-race Beyer and gets leading rider Daniel Centeno for his local debut after finishing sixth at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 14 following a seven-month layoff.