Vertical Threat has upside

VERTICAL THREAT

June 27, 3rd race, Los Alamitos, MdSpWt41k

Beyer: 89

6f, dirt fast, 1:08.71, 1st by 6 lengths b. c. 3, Tapiture–Viola Blew By, by Omega Code

Noteworthy siblings: None

Auctions: OBS Winter Mixed 2018 – $50,000; Keeneland September yearling 2018 – RNA $47,000; OBS Spring 2yo 2019 – $100,000 Owner: Myracehorse.com and Slam Dunk Racing

Trainer: Richard Baltas

Breeder: Alberta Davis and Teresa Davis

Well, this was a revelation. Colt had a troubled, challenging debut, which came on turf, finishing a decent sixth, but this performance was, shall we say, a horse of a different color. Stalked midpack and outside early but was always traveling sweetly and moved into contention around the far turn without being asked. Really got into a good rhythm while taking command in upper stretch and a peek back by the jockey inside the eighth pole revealed no one anywhere close, at which point the rider took off the pressure. Fairly long stride but seemingly the pedigree of a sprinter, though based on this second out, he could be a stakes-level horse going short.

PURRFECTLY CLAIRE

June 27, 1st race, Churchill Downs, MdSpWt64k

Beyer: 81

6f, dirt fast, 1:09.62,1st by 2 1/2 lengths ch.f.3, Munnings–Magical Belle, by Unbridled’s Song

Noteworthy siblings: None

Auctions: Keeneland September yearling 2018 – $250,000

Owner: Rigney Racing

Trainer: Philip Bauer

Breeder: Vegso Racing Stable

Favored in lone previous start, last September at Churchill, where she was a close second while favored in another sprint. Caught three wide around the turn here but moved into the two path as the favorite, caught between horses, backed out of it. Was just under a hand ride to make the front and took only a slight tap of the crop and several crosses to comfortably hold at bay all pursuers. Her gallop-out, along with pedigree, suggested at least a mile as an option. Her dam is a sister to excellent dirt-route horse Unrivalled Belle; plenty of upside here.

SPEEDY HANS

June 28, 6th race, Woodbine, MdSpWt89k

Beyer: 80

5 1/2f, Tapeta, 1:03.99, 1st by 1 1/4 lengths b.g.3, Constitution–April Snow, by Candy Ride Noteworthy siblings: None

Auctions: OBS Spring 2yo 2019 – $65,000

Owner: Gary Barber

Trainer: Mark Casse

Breeder: Glenview Oaks LLC

Claimed for $32,000 in March and in three subsequent starts hadn’t come close to winning, but the first start on a synthetic surface brought about massive improvement, a 20-point Beyer Speed Figure jump from the previous top. Sharp move past the three-furlong pole to reach contention, and while he didn’t overwhelm anyone through the homestretch, he stayed on solidly to pull steadily clear through the final furlong. Narrow-barreled and long-legged type has the physical profile and pedigree to run longer, but the key thing, at this point, is the decided surface preference. Seemingly not much more than allowance-class upside, however.

BENOIT PHOTO Vertical Threat had a troubled debut, but sparkled in his next start at Los Alamitos.