Tough Turf Sprinters in Pa. Governor's Cup

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Photo: Four Footed Fotos

Chamberlain Bridge is the morning-line choice for the PA Governor's Cup.

A strong field of 12 turf sprinters, a few of which could end up in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (gr. I) later this year, is set for the $200,000 Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup Handicap at five furlongs on the grass July 31 at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course.

The Governor’s Cup, the richest race of the year at Penn National, is the fifth race on a card that begins at 6:30 p.m. EDT. Other stakes on the program are the $75,000 Capital City Stakes on turf and the $75,000 East Hanover Township Stakes on dirt.

Moore Management LLC’s Chamberlain Bridge is the solid morning-line choice for the Governor’s Cup at 5-2. The War Chant   gelding comes off an easy victory in the grade III Arlington Sprint Handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs June 26 when automatically qualifying for the Breeders' Cup.

Trained by Bret Calhoun and to be ridden by Jamie Theriot, Chamberlain Bridge finished third in last year’s Governor’s Cup. Eleven of his 13 career wins have come in turf sprints.

Mason Dixon Stables’ Cardashi, winner of the 2009 Governor’s Cup at 29-1, seeks a repeat for trainer Tim Kresier and jockey David Cora. By  Kiridashi, Cardashi is three-for-three on the turf at Penn Natoinal, where he is stabled. He is 12-1 on the morning line.

The 12 entrants in the Governor’s Cup have a total of 65 victories in turf sprints.

$200,000 Pennsylvania Governor's Cup Handicap (Race 5, 7:45 p.m.), 3 & Up, 5 Furlongs (Turf)
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer, Odds
1. Perfect Officer (KY),   E Coa, 114, G Weaver, 15/1
2. Phosphorescent (MD),   V H Molina, 113, G Preciado, 10/1
3. Sneaking Uponyou (FL),    H Villa-Gomez, 116, J Ness, 15/1
4. Blue Sailor (FL),   H Vega, 117, H E Wolfendale, 6/1
5. Chamberlain Bridge (KY),   J Theriot, 122, W B Calhoun, 5/2
6. Hold the Salt (KY),   R B Homeister Jr., 113, J A Dodgen, 15/1
7. Cardashi (ON),   D Cora, 115, T C Kreiser, 12/1
8. Tahoe Warrior (KY),   M J Luzzi, 115, R R Rodriguez, 8/1
9. Heros Reward (MD),   F Pennington, 118, D Capuano, 6/1
10. Natural Seven (MD),   S Russell, 114, B M Feliciano Jr., 15/1
11. Sacred Journey (KY),   H Karamanos, 116, A W Dutrow, 5/1
12. Bullet From Abroad (FL),   I Karlsson, 119, M Dini, 12/1

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