Trio of BC Sprint also-rans get rest of year off

In addition to Big Macher, there were three other Southern California-based runners in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. None is likely to race again this year.

Wild Dude, the winner of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Sprint Championship on Oct. 3, finished sixth, beaten 4 1/2 lengths by the winner, Runhappy. Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said Wild Dude is likely to resume racing at the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting that begins Dec. 26.

Trainer Peter Eurton is taking a similar approach with Kobe’s Back, who finished seventh in the Sprint, a nose behind Wild Dude. Kobe’s Back was second in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship. Eurton said Kobe’s Back emerged from the race in “excellent” condition.

Eurton said he will discuss options with owners Lee and Susan Searing and is aiming Kobe’s Back for Grade 1 races in 2016.

Masochistic, the winner of the Grade 1 Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita in June but last of 14 in the Sprint, was scheduled to undergo a precautionary nuclear scan Wednesday, said trainer Ron Ellis.

Ellis said Masochistic was “safe and sound” following a flight to California, but he wanted to use the nuclear scan to ensure there are no developing physical issues. For 2016, Masochistic is likely to start in one-mile races, said Ellis.

Taris, the California-based filly who was third in the Filly and Mare Sprint, is likely to be rested until the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting, said trainer Simon Callaghan. He mentioned the Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan Racecourse in the United Arab Emirates in March as a possibility for Taris, who won the Rancho Bernardo Handicap at Del Mar in August.

In the Filly and Mare Sprint, Taris was beaten two lengths after racing in second or third throughout. She was blocked behind the eventual runner-up, La Verdad, entering the stretch and could not reach the front. Taris broke from post 3 in a field of 14, which might have worked against her, said Callaghan.

“The race didn’t unfold in a way to get her on the lead or get outside of horses,” said Callaghan. “I think it’s fair to say she could have gone close. She came out of it very good.”