Twin Spires Turf Sprint: A large field and probable off going will test Fiya
Fiya looked toward the end of 2020 like he was on his way to becoming one of the top turf sprinters in the nation. His trainer, Tom Albertrani, is hoping he picks up right where he left off when he makes his 2021 debut Friday at Churchill Downs in the Grade 2, $250,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint, a 5 1/2-furlong race that figures to be run over deep going if the weather prediction for Thursday holds.
The prospect of going that is less than top of ground and a large field of 11 that includes the Turf Sprint’s defending race winner, Diamond Oops, helps make this one of the most compelling races on the Kentucky Oaks undercard. There’s an appropriate mix of front-runners and closers, but handling the course may be the most paramount aspect.
Fiya has yet to run at Churchill, but he was unbeaten last year in five turf sprints at three different tracks, handling rock-hard courses and those with some give. This will be his first start since Dec. 5, when he led from start to finish in the Claiming Crown Canterbury Stakes under Luis Saez, who won twice aboard him last year and again has the call.
“The whole purpose for the time off was for him to grow into himself, more mentally than physically,” Albertrani said in a telephone interview. “He’s a strong-built horse. Sometimes he gets wishy-washy in the paddock. The hope is he picks up where he left off.”
Fiya recorded Beyer Speed Figures of 96 or better in his last four starts, topped by a 100 in an allowance at Belmont last fall. Belmont is where Fiya is headed next. Albertrani said Friday’s race is a tune-up for the Grade 1 Jaipur going six furlongs on turf on the Belmont Stakes undercard June 5.
Fiya should have company up front. Just Might, drawn two spots to his outside in post 5, is a need-the-lead type, and the longshot Johnny Unleashed has to go from the rail. A contested pace would be ideal for Diamond Oops, who passed all 11 rivals when rallying from last to first when this race was held last year on Sept. 4. Florent Geroux, aboard that day, has the return call as Diamond Oops, like Fiya, makes his first start of the year.
“He had a vacation in Ocala for a month and a half and came back in about eight weeks ago,” said trainer Patrick Biancone, who has given Diamond Oops five works on the Palm Meadows turf since March 28. “He should be very competitive.”
So should Sombeyay, second by a neck to the white-hot Gregorian Chant in the Grade 3 San Simeon on March 13 at Santa Anita. Gregorian Chant exited that race to win for a third straight time Sunday at Santa Anita. Sombeyay figures to fall into a terrific stalking trip with his outside draw.
The mare Ambassador Luna should be a giant price, but she runs well fresh, has good soft-turf form, and romped in her lone start on Churchill’s course. Not the worst bomber for the gimmicks.
