Weather may postpone Pure Sensation's return in Twin Spires Turf Sprint

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Christophe Clement is eager to get the top turf sprinter Pure Sensation started on his 2017 campaign, and is hoping the weather on Friday at Churchill Downs cooperates, because Pure Sensation, the trainer said, is primed to fire off the layoff in the Grade 3, $150,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint over five furlongs.

“He’s training great. He’s never looked so good,” Clement said Wednesday. “If the turf is good, or good to soft, he’ll be okay, but not if it’s really soft.”

The forecast for Friday here is not encouraging. The Weather Channel predicts an 80 percent chance of rain with a high of 53 degrees. If that forecast holds, Pure Sensation’s participation will be a game-time decision.

Pure Sensation has not raced since finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. He had won three straight prior to that, including on yielding turf at Parx Racing going five furlongs.

Clement said he would “have to see” about running on dirt if the rain is so heavy that the race is moved to the main track.

Pure Sensation’s main rivals include Holding Gold and Green Mask, one-two in the Grade 2 Shakertown at Keeneland on April 8.

Twin Spires Turf Sprint, Race 7

KEY CONTENDERS

Pure Sensation, by Zensational

Last 3 Beyers: 104-104-105

◗ He has developed into one of the best turf sprinters in the nation, with figures and company lines that clearly mark him as the one to beat.

◗ Clement said his objective next month is the Grade 3 Jaipur at Belmont Park on Belmont Stakes Day, a race Pure Sensation won last year under Jose Ortiz, who has the mount Friday.

Holding Gold, by Lonhro

Last 3 Beyers: 100-89-78

◗ He rallied to post an 18-1 upset in the Shakertown when making his first start of the year following a six-month layoff. Joel Rosario, aboard him for the first time in the Shakertown, has the return call.

Green Mask, by Mizzen Mast

Last 3 Beyers: 99-100-100

◗ A top member of this division for several seasons now, he was second by a neck to Holding Gold in the Shakertown. He owns a win and two seconds since finishing fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. With Robby Albarado sidelined, Javier Castellano takes over.

Why Two, by Bob and John

Last 3 Beyers: 98-97-93

◗ He is making his first start since August but won a pair of turf sprints last summer at Del Mar and has trained sharply for his return at Santa Anita.