Albany field loaded with speed, variety

The $50,000 Albany Stakes on Saturday has a hodgepodge of horses, making for a handicapping challenge.

A five-furlong turf sprint for 3-year-olds and up, the field includes several comebackers, a 3 year-old, and a speedy mare. Most in the field of 10 have a high turn of early foot, and the result should be a red-hot pace.

Three runners are making their 2017 debuts in the Albany: Rocket Heat, a Grade 3 winner at the distance at Churchill Downs last year; Kaabraaj, coming off a pair of stakes wins at Turf Paradise; and the 3-year-old Right Hand Man, who won two Northern California stakes last year but has never run on turf.

The stakes-winning mare Fast and Foxy has set the pace in most of her races, including in her runner-up finish against males in an allowance sprint here May 7.

Rocket Heat won the Grade 3 Twin Spires Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day last year. He then ran third in the Pimlico Turf Sprint but faded badly in his final three starts of the year.

Right Hand Man won the Cavonnier Juvenile at Santa Rosa and the Golden Nugget at Golden Gate last year. In both races, he stalked the leader and then pulled away in the lane. Trainer Jeff Bonde is hoping Right Hand Man can do the same thing Saturday.

“He has good natural speed,” said Bonde. “We hope he can stalk and pounce.”

Bonde said Right Hand Man’s breeding – he’s by Street Boss and out of a Stormy Atlantic mare – should help him take to the turf.

“He’s been training very well and doesn’t have any conditions left,” said Bonde. “He’s bred for the turf.”

ALBANY STAKES, RACE 7 KEY CONTENDERS

Rocket Heat, by Latent Heat Last 3 Beyers: 77-83-85

◗ He has trained well, with two bullets among the eight works for his comeback.

◗ He has a 9-4-1-1 record at the distance, including a graded stakes win.

◗ He could be quickest in this speed-laden field.

Right Hand Man, by Street Boss Last 3 Beyers: 79-78-65

◗ He is working steadily for a barn that shows a positive ROI off long layoffs.

Eric the Trojan, by More Than Ready Last 3 Beyers: 68-79-90

◗ A longshot, he is a strong finisher and might be able to take advantage if the favorites go too fast early.

◗ He’s hit the board in all three of his starts at this distance on turf.