Welder looks to stay perfect at Will Rogers

Welder will put his perfect Will Rogers Downs record on the line Tuesday when he seeks his sixth victory at the Claremore, Okla., track in the $50,000 Highland Ice.

“He feels like it’s his home turf,” trainer Lyle Johnston said.

The Highland Ice is a six-furlong race for 3-year-olds and up. The field of seven includes Balandeen, who moves back to dirt after racing on turf at Fair Grounds; He’s So Zazzy, who brings some strong Beyer Speed Figures from Oaklawn; and Smooth Chiraz, a Minnesota-bred stakes winner last summer at Canterbury.

Highland Ice (Race 9)

KEY CONTENDERS

Welder, by The Visualiser
Last 3 Beyers: 86-87-88

◗ Welder has won three stakes at Will Rogers, where he is 5 for 5, to lock up horse of the meet honors each of the last two years. His wins include last year’s Highland Ice and the last two runnings of the $55,000 TRAO Classic Sprint, which is his race goal this meet, Johnston said.

◗ Welder is making his first start since Nov. 17, when he won the $50,000 Silver Goblin by a half-length at Remington Park. He dueled through quick fractions and covered 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:16. The Beyer of 86 that Welder earned is the best last-race number in the Highland Ice.

“After that last race, he was vanned off,” Johnston said. “It wasn’t because there was anything wrong with him. He overexerted himself. He was tired.”

◗ Johnston said he has been pleased with how Welder is coming up to the Highland Ice. The 5-year-old horse is learning to become more rateable, Johnston said.

“We’ve been working a lot with him,” Johnston said. “If there’s a lot of speed, he’s getting to where he’s relaxing a little, where we can come from off of it. If they want to push, we don’t have to. I think he’s a better horse than he’s ever been.”

◗ Johnston noted Travis Cunningham, who has the mount from post 6, has been a good fit with Welder.

“The two of them have got a pretty good bond,” Johnston said.

◗ Welder races for the Ra-Max Farms operation of Clayton and Toni Rash. He’s a barn favorite, Johnston said.

“He is kind of the jokester of the stable, but loves the attention,” he said. “My 3-year-old grandson goes to his stall and he bends his head over just to let him touch him.”

Balandeen, by Bernardini
Last 3 Beyers: 72-75-87

◗ He is moving back to dirt for the first time since last year and is a multiple winner on the main track.

◗ David Cabrera has the mount for trainer Chris Hartman.