Above, trainer David Hofmans talks about hist Turf Sprint contender Desert Code.

by Frank Angst

While a seventh-place finish in a final prep may not sound like a path to victory in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, the unplaced finish by Desert Code in the Morvich Handicap (G3) did not bother the connections of Desert Code.

Desert Code finished seventh in the Morvich on September 30 at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park meeting, contested on the same 6½-furlong downhill turf course that will welcome the Saturday’s Turf Sprint. In fact, Desert Code also finished seventh in last year’s Morvich before rallying to an upset Turf Sprint victory.

Trainer David Hofmans was just glad to see Desert Code look comfortable in the Morvich, his first race in more than five months.

“His last race was a good one,” Hoffmans said. “Actually, it was a better race from him than the one he ran in that race last year. He loves the course and the distance, so we’re ready to roll.”

Another horse who has enjoyed success on the downhill is California Flag, who enters off a second straight Morvich victory. The five-year-old Avenue of Flags gelding set a course record in winning last year’s Morvich in 1:11.10 before getting taxed in an early pace duel in last year’s Turf Sprint and fading to tenth.

Diamondrella (GB) enters as the most accomplished Turf Sprint contender. The five-year-old Rock of Gibraltar (Ire) mare twice defeated reigning champion turf female Forever Together in Grade 1 races this season and enters with seven straight turf wins. Diamondrella galloped at Belmont Park Monday before being shipped to Southern California for the first time in her career.

Another classy female taking on males will be Gotta Have Her, who enters off a two-length victory in the Senator Ken Maddy Handicap (G3). That October 17 victory improved the five-year-old Royal Academy mare’s record to four wins in as many starts down the hill.

Lord Shanakill will make his first U.S. start after winning this year’s Etihad Airways Prix Jean Prat (Fr-G1).

Frank Angst is senior writer for Thoroughbred Times