Tribesman dangerous despite post

About the only thing trainer Roger Hansen could want for the speedy Tribesman heading into the $75,000 California State Fair Sprint, to be run Saturday at the Cal Expo State Fair meet in Sacramento, would be a better post.

But other than that, he's pleased with the way Tribesman and entrymate Restless Youth are coming into the six-furlong Cal-bred stakes, which drew nine runners.

Tribesman, who hasn't raced since a runner-up effort to multiple stakes winner Vicarino on May 16 at Golden Gate Fields, drew post 2, with Restless Youth breaking from post 7.

Tribesman capped a five-race win streak earlier this year with an impressive victory over Idiot Proof in the Phoenix Gold Cup in February. Since then he has lost three straight.

His trainer, Roger Hansen, said had this race in mind when he gave Tribesman a month at the farm before returning him to his barn.

"Having a Cal-bred stakes here was perfect timing for him," Hansen said. I mapped out this race for him. I haven't pushed Tribesman real hard, and he may be a little better in his next start. But he's come back more relaxed, which may help him here, although I would have preferred an outside post."

Tribesman usually runs on the lead. Restless Youth, the other half of the Kjell Qvale-owned entry, should get a first-run trip.

Restless Youth comes off a dominating victory against Scrumpy and Jack Hes Tops in an Aug. 1 prep race at Santa Rosa. His victory snapped Scrumpy's nine-race Northern California win streak, which included the Sam Whiting at Pleasanton.

"That last race set up real good for him," Hansen said. "There's good speed for him to sit off here. He may be a cut below the very best, but we've always liked him. He's been real solid for us, and on his best day he can compete with anybody. So far he's liked the Sacramento track."

There is plenty of speed signed up here, including the 3-year-old Kool Comic, the stakes winner Vaderator, and recent maiden winner Victory Kid.

Vaderator, who won an 870-yard mixed-breed stakes at Pleasanton, should provide the most pace pressure to Tribesman. Vaderator showed a new dimension in his last start, closing after being all but eliminated at the break.

Rounding out the field are Spot the Diplomat, who took the lead in the lane of the Grade 1 Bing Crosby at Del Mar before fading in his last start on July 27, and Ican'tremember.