Watson and Weitman Performances and Mike Pegram’s Midnight Lute, impressive winner of the Sept. 1 Forego Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga in his last start, is the early 2-1 favorite in a field of 11 entered in the $2 million TVG Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Monmouth Park Oct. 27.
Trained by Bob Baffert and to be ridden by Garrett Gomez, Midnight Lute drew post two in the six-furlong event. He has proven particularly effective at seven furlongs but showed sharp closing form in his only two six-furlong efforts. Midnight Lute has been working strongly on the Cushion Track at Santa Anita Park in preparation for his return to the dirt.
Harry Aleo’s Smokey Stover, winner of the Sept. 1 Icecapade Stakes at Monmouth in his last start, is the 7-2 second choice in the line for trainer Greg Gilchrist and jockey Aaron Gryder. Smokey Stover, a six-furlong specialist with seven wins, two seconds, and one third in 10 starts at the distance, drew post one.
William Boswell’s Greg’s Gold, who just missed to Idiot Proof in the Oct. 7 Ancient Title Handicap (gr. I) at Santa Anita, drew post 10 and is the 9-2 third choice in the morning line. Trained by David Hofmans and to be ridden by Victory Espinoza, Greg’s Gold won the seven-furlong Pat O’Brien Handicap (gr. II) at Del Mar two starts back.
Marty and Pam Wygod’s Idiot Proof, at 10-1 in the early line, crushed the field and set a track record of 1:07.47 for six furlongs at Monmouth in the July 4 Jersey Shore Breeders’ Cup Stakes (gr. III). That effort should serve him well for trainer Cliff Sise Jr. and jockey David Flores.
The Sprint is the fourth of eight World Championships events on the Saturday program. Post time for the Sprint is set for 2:35 p.m. EST.
