by Jeff Apel

Multiple Grade 3 winner Mr. Nightlinger continued a successful transition from the main track to turf by posting a one-length win in the $126,400 Aegon Turf Sprint Stakes (G3), the first of six stakes races run on Kentucky Oaks (G1) card on Friday at Churchill Downs.

Quickly recovering after bobbling at the start, Mr. Nightlinger set a determined pace, gamely turned back a late bid from runner-up Salute the Count, and earned his second consecutive graded stakes win in the five-furlong turf race. Mr. Nightlinger entered off a win in his second career start on turf in the Shakertown Stakes (G3), a 5 1/2-furlong race on April 13 at Keeneland Race Course.

“I think we have found a new home for him," said jockey Jamie Theriot, who rode Mr. Nightlinger in both the Turf Sprint and Shakertown. "He's 2-for-2 now going short on the turf."

Trainer Bret Calhoun switched Mr. Nightlinger to turf at the suggestion of jockey Ramsey Zimmerman, who rode the Indian Charlie colt to a fourth-place finish in his first start on grass last year in a 7 1/2-furlong allowance race at Fair Grounds.

"He's done it all," said Dennis Geier, assistant to Calhoun. "He's really stepped up. The turf might be his calling."

Carl Moore Management's and Martin Racing Stable's Mr. Nightlinger was positioned off the rail and led Indian Ashton by a half-length approaching the quarter pole. Increasing his lead to one length in early stretch, Mr. Nightlinger gamely prevailed in :56.18 on firm turf as the 9-to-5 favorite.

"That's his running style," Theriot said. "He placed himself on the lead and he rates himself."

Salute the Count finished one length in front of third-place finisher Atticus Kristy.

Mr. Nightlinger made his first three starts this year in six-furlong races on the main track. The four-year-old won an allowance/optional claiming race on February 10 at Fair Grounds prior to finishing fourth in the Hot Springs Stakes on March 22 at Oaklawn Park.

Mr. Nightlinger posted his sixth win in 15 starts and increased his earnings to $320,015. Bred in Kentucky by Brereton Jones, Mr. Nightlinger is out of Timely Quarrel, by Time for a Change.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Jeff Apel is Thoroughbred Times assistant daily news editor