Trappe Shot hard to miss

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Jim Hatchett had two choices for his speedy 3-year-old Havanadaydream here this weekend: Run him with open allowance company in Friday's ninth race or scratch out of that contest for a theoretically softer spot against statebred rivals in Sunday's $37,000 allowance feature.

Hatchett opted to keep Havanadaydream in on Friday, a decision that will leave Trappe Shot as the overwhelming favorite to defeat five other Florida-bred foes in Sunday's 6 1/2-furlong main event, an entry-level allowance race.

Trappe Shot came highly touted when he launched his career against open maiden competition last summer at Saratoga, but could do no better than finish fifth in his debut after stumbling at the break. A son of Tapit who was an $850,000 2-year-old purchase, Trappe Shot was then sidelined because of hind-end issues before returning to dominate an overmatched field of Florida-bred maidens by better than 10 lengths when launching his 3-year-old campaign here on Feb. 21.

"It was a great race, he did everything right," said Kiaran McLaughlin, who trains Trappe Shot for James Brady's Mill House. "He's a very talented colt with a great disposition. Its nice Mr. Brady said let's take the conservative route and not jump into the Florida Derby or Wood Memorial. A Florida-bred one-other-than is taking the conservative route for sure. But the next plan would probably be the Withers if he were to win on Sunday.

Roman Hall may have the best chance of upsetting Trappe Shot should the favorite somehow stub his toe. Roman Hall was an impressive winner launching his career last November at the Meadowlands, drawing off to a 6 1/2-length maiden special weight triumph despite racing greenly.

Trained by Tom Albertrani, Roman Hall opened his 3-year-old campaign finishing a tiring seventh after contesting the early pace with Havanadaydream. Roman Hall will add blinkers for his first start against statebreds.

Two horses claimed for $50,000 out of their previous start, What a Prince and Non Compete, will attempt to return quick dividends for their new connections.

What a Prince moved into the Michael Pino barn off a third place finish under a $50,000 claiming price over the turf here on Feb. 4. Non Compete finished fifth for the same price when claimed by trainer Wayne Mogge on Jan. 24. Like Roman Hall, both What a Prince and Non Compete will also add blinkers on Sunday.

- additional reporting by David Grening