Why Two hits the road for Twin Spires Turf Sprint

ARCADIA, Calif. – A stakes-winning turf sprinter in California will ship to Kentucky next week, hoping to build a résumé that is sufficient for entry into the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, which will be run this fall in California. Sound convoluted?

Why Two would have been a contender in the $75,000 Siren Lure Stakes on Sunday at Santa Anita, but trainer Mike Machowsky believes the Grade 3 Twin Spires Turf Sprint on May 5 at Churchill Downs gives the gelding a better chance to make it into the BC Turf Sprint this fall at Del Mar.

“He needs to win a graded stake,” Machowsky said. “I’d rather run out of my own stall, but the Turf Sprint probably will be the hardest [Breeders’ Cup] race to get into this year. I’m going to have to put him on a plane a bunch of times and see if we can get lucky.”

Why Two will be joined in the Twin Spires Turf Sprint by Richard’s Boy, who won the California Cup Sprint in January and finished fifth, beaten 2 1/2 lengths, in the March 25 Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai in his last start. Richard’s Boy was entered in the Siren Lure, but trainer Peter Miller said he will be scratched. Miller also has Stormy Liberal entered for the Siren Lure.

Why Two won both of his turf sprints at Del Mar last summer, including the Green Flash Handicap on Aug. 16, but has not started since. He was scratched in the post parade of the Grade 3 Eddie D Stakes on Sept. 30 at Santa Anita due to a problematic foot.

“We turned him out, gave him time, and he is doing well,” Machowsky said.

Why Two is scheduled for a gate work Sunday at Santa Anita under Flavien Prat, who will ride him in the five-furlong Twin Spires. Why Two will fly to Kentucky on April 29 or May 1.

Why Two has won four races and $210,665 from 11 starts. The five-furlong BC Turf Sprint will be limited to 12 runners. All five BC Challenge races for the Turf Sprint are outside the U.S., including races in Australia, England, Ireland, and Japan. Only one is in North America – the Highlander Stakes at Woodbine on July 2.