Summerplace Farm's Kelly's Landing will face a big job on Saturday when he takes on sprint champion Lost in the Fog and 11 other rivals in the $500,000 Smile Sprint Handicap (gr. II) in the Summit of Speed at Calder Race Course in Miami. But trainer Eddie Kenneally likes the way things are going for his horse in the days leading up to the race.The 5-year-old gelding continues to train well at Churchill Downs after his recent runner-up finish to Lost in the Fog in the $150,000 Aristides Breeders' Cup (gr. III). Kelly's Landing is all set to board a plane on Thursday that will carry several Churchill Downs-based Summit hopefuls to Calder Race Course.Kenneally feels the son of Patton is in top form heading into his rematch with Lost in the Fog and that Kelly's Landing got the luck of the draw when he landed in gate two in the field of 13 in the post position draw for the six-furlong Smile."We couldn't ask for a better post," said Kenneally. "In a big field, you don't want to be anywhere close to the outside. I think we can save some ground on the turn."Lost in the Fog starts from the 10-post and carries top weight of 125 pounds. His rivals were assigned between eight and 13 pounds less. Lost in the Fog won the first 10 starts of his career, including the Carry Back Stakes (gr. II) on Summit day last year by 7 ¾ lengths. The 4-year-old Florida-bred son of Lost Soldier was impressive winning the Aristides Breeders' Cup (gr. III) last out at Churchill Downs on June 3.Kelly's Landing carries 116 and new rider Manoel Cruz.
Kenneally was forced to find a new rider for Kelly's Landing when Rafael Bejarano, who was aboard for his runner-up finish in the Aristides Breeders' Cup, had another commitment on the day. But the Irish-born trainer said he's happy to have Cruz, Calder's leading jockey."He wins a lot of races down there and knows the track," said Kenneally. Kelly's Landing will look to snap a three-race losing streak in the Smile. His most recent win came in a Gulfstream Park allowance race on March 16. Kelly's Landing has a career record of 6-3-1 in 14 races and has earned $296,025.Pomeroy, winner of the King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I) as a 3-year-old in 2004, is among six Calder-based contenders in the race. $500,000 Smile Sprint Handicap (gr. II, Race 11, 5:40 p.m.), 3 & Up, 6 Furlongs
PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Universal Form (FL), 114, Cecilio Penalba
2. Kelly's Landing (KY), 116, Manoel R. Cruz
3. Joey P. (NJ), 115, Joe Bravo
4. Weigelia (FL), 115, Jose Lezcano
5. Nightmare Affair (FL), 115, Jeffrey Sanchez
6. Friendly Island (NY), 117, Edgar S. Prado
7. Chandtrue (FL), 112, Eddie Castro
8. Gold Storm (KY), 115, Tracy J. Hebert
9. Gaff (KY), 115, Shaun Bridgmohan
10. Lost in the Fog (FL), 125, Russell A. Baze
11. B. B. Best (FL), 113, Abel Castellano, Jr.
12. Pomeroy (KY), 116, Eddie Castro
13. Mister Fotis (FL), 117, Jorge F. Chavez