Trace Creek will be big price in Hanshin Cup repeat bid

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Trace Creek was a 44-1 shot when he won the Hanshin Cup a year ago at Arlington. The Arkansas-bred ran the race of his life that day, but his cause was helped by the relatively soft level of competition in the Hanshin, and when Trace Creek lines up for a repeat bid Saturday, he will be part of a stronger, deeper cast.

The first stakes of the Arlington season, a Grade 3 worth $100,000 and carded for a one-turn mile on Polytrack, came up an appealing betting race. In fact, the entire card is solid. The Hanshin drew 11 entrants and has Hootenanny as the mild 3-1 morning-line favorite.

Trace Creek, who has not won since his surprise victory in this race last year, is listed at 20-1 and should be every bit of that price.

Hanshin Cup, Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

Wyeth, by Candy Ride

Last 3 Beyers: 89-85-94

◗ Makes his synthetic-surface debut but has won on turf and dirt already this year and appears to be versatile in terms of racing surface.

“It’s a guessing game,” trainer Tom Amoss said of making the move to synthetic. “With this horse, his sire line takes to it, and he’s taken to the grass. We’re hoping it’s a transition that works for him.”

◗ Did get a great trip coming up the fence in winning his dirt debut at Keeneland last out but turned in a strong fifth furlong in 11.68 seconds and appeared to win easily.

“He’s out of conditions now, so he has to step up,” said Amoss. “One turn is his speciality, and the further you go one turn, the more his kick is enhanced. He definitely is a horse that wants pace, and I see that here.”

Dac, by Distorted Humor

Last 3 Beyers: 88-80-84

◗ Appears to be value at 10-1 on the morning line since he brings an excellent 4-0-1 record from six synthetic-surface starts into the Hanshin. His fourth-place finish on synthetic three starts ago came in a sprint race well short of his best distance.

◗ Won the Prairie Bayou over Polytrack at Turfway in December, a race in which Enterprising, who won the Fair Grounds Handicap and the Mervin Muniz Handicap at Fair Grounds, finished third.

Hootenanny, by Quality Road

Last 3 Beyers: 92-92-92

◗ Won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf way back in 2014. Since then, he has won only twice, capturing a Keeneland allowance race more than two years ago and a Mahoning Valley allowance race last fall. His recent record does not match up well with his likely low price.

Ghost Hunter, by Ghostzapper

Last 3 Beyers: 95-91-85

◗ Trainer Corey Jensen has taken over horses trained by Jamie Ness while Ness serves a 100-day suspension.

◗ Had a tremendous 2016 season, winning seven races, including the $200,000 Presque Isle Downs Mile last fall. That race, however, does not look very strong; the longshot runner-up returned to lose an allowance race.

◗ Finished fast in his comeback race at Laurel Park last out, but so did most of that field. Seven horses ran their final quarter-mile in less than 23 seconds.