Notes on the Summit of Speed Program
July 7th, 2007By Jude T. Feld
Calder hosts the 8th annual Summit of Speed this afternoon. Brainchild of the late, great racing secretary, Bob Umphrey, the ‘Summit features most of the top sprinters in North America. There is a special Pick Five wager on races 7 through 11.
Named for the million dollar-earning filly who was later sold for over that amount at Keeneland, the J J’s Dream is CALDER’S 7TH RACE. EXCESSIVE HEAT tuned up with an allowance victory over the track while earning the best speed figure in the field. That race should earn some big black type if repeated.
The Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint Handicap is CALDER’S 8TH RACE. Kentucky favorite UNBRIDLED SYDNEY takes on the boys once again. She is ultra-fast and dangerous. If she falters in the Florida heat, LORD ROBYN, who has won seven races in 15 starts over the Calder turf, could pick up the pieces in the drive.
Calder’s 9TH RACE is the Azalea Breeders’ Cup (G3). Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas saddles TIME’S MISTRESS, the only Grade 3 winner in the field. Her biggest fear is Dede McGhee’s ATLANTA HIGHWAY, who is undefeated since joining the Andrew Leggio, Jr. barn and is still improving with every start.
BLACK SEVENTEEN has won his last two races with ease and left some decent sprinters in his wake. His 109 Brisnet speed figure stands out on the past performances like a sore thumb in the Carry Back (G2), CALDER’s 10TH RACE. TEUFLESBERG was impressive in the Woody Stephens (G2) at Belmont and will likely make an impact late.
The Princess Rooney (G1) is CALDER’S 11TH RACE. Juddmonte Farms’ INDIAN FLARE has learned to rate. In this speed-laden field, she could get first run on the closers. STOLEN PRAYER has won two minor stakes over the track in her last two starts and has the tremendous edge of being drawn outside. She could pop at a price.
FABULOUS STRIKE is a quadruple-advantage speed figure horse. He just spanked the Airsides (G3) field at Churchill Downs and will need to be softened up early to get beat in the Smile Sprint (G3), CALDER’S 12TH RACE. SMOKEY STOVER is fast and rateable but will need some help up front and his best effort to win.
