Turf Sprint: Marchman relaxes for Albarado

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The speedy Marchman showed a good deal of tractability in sitting just off a brisk pace before rallying to score his second straight Grade 3 victory in the $150,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint Friday at Churchill Downs.

Marchman ($8.80) won his last outing, the Shakertown Stakes on April 12 at Keeneland, by a neck after leading throughout. On paper, however, there was a good deal of other speed in the Twin Spires – including Sum of the Parts, sent off as the favorite from one of the outside posts.

Jockey Robby Albarado said he and trainer Bret Calhoun had discussed changing Marchman’s tactics in light of how the race might shape up.

“We kind of anticipated Sum of the Parts setting the pace out there,” Albarado said. “We went to the front last time he ran, but Bret said he’d be fine with a target out there. So we found us a target, and he came home nice.

Away in good order from post 4, Marchman sat back as a very keen Sum of the Parts cut over to the inside as he cleared the field through an opening quarter of 22.08 seconds. Albarado then guided Marchman to the outside, where he sat off the flank of the pacesetter. Turning for home, the two were on even terms, and Marchman handily put away his rival, easily holding off a rallying Undrafted and Positive Side for the win; the latter was runner-up to Marchman in the Shakertown.

“[Sum of the Parts] cleared me pretty quick. When there’s only one horse in front of you, it’s not that hard to get an outside position,” Albarado said. “Turning for home, I felt very confident in him, and when I squeezed on him, he went right by.”

Marchman won by 1 1/2 lengths and stopped the clock in 56.04 seconds for five furlongs on a course rated firm.