Turf Sprint: Heros Reward capable of repeat

Heros Reward, an ultra-consistent turf sprinter who was first or second in 9 of 10 starts last season, appears a strong threat to repeat in the $100,000 Old Mutual Turf Sprint (race 5).

Last year, when the five-furlong stakes was known as the Baltimore City, Heros Reward came from slightly off the pace to score by a length as the 5-2 favorite, his fourth straight win.

Now 6, Heros Reward made his first start since October three weeks ago in the $214,000 Turf Sprint Handicap at Calder. He did well to rally to finish third in a race controlled by the lone speed, Lookinforthesecret.

Trained by Dale Capuano, Heros Reward is 2 for 2 over Pimlico's grass course.

Trainer Linda Rice, who excels in turf sprints, where her record is 23 for 110 since January 2007, ships in the dangerous Silver Timber from New York. Like Heros Reward, Silver Timber will be making his second start following an extended layoff. He rallied strongly to just miss in a stakes restricted to New York-breds in his 2007 debut.

The 14-horse field also includes Mr. Mutter, third to Heros Reward in this race last year; and the speedy Hesa Big Star, who has won two in a row and 4 of 7 turf sprints lifetime.