Trinniberg’s chances of winning Breeders’ Cup Sprint are more than his 15 to 1 odds reflect
Shivananda Racing’s 3-year-old, Trinniberg, is seriously fast, and if there are any doubts over the sprinter's ability to set the track ablaze, than they should revert back to his one of the fastest fractions carved in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby this year at Churchill Downs.
Though, the Teuflesberg colt this time has to face a different proposition than that of the Kentucky Derby, as he is being readied by trainer Bisnath Parboo for the 6 furlong long Grade 1, $1.5 million Xpressbet Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Santa Anita Park on 3 November, 2012.
The distance of six furlong makes Trinniberg look average on the score board by consistently missing the mark on six furlong sprints, with three 2nd place finishes out of 4 starts at the distance.
However, a narrow margin of defeat each time, he missed victories in the Grade 3 Carry Back Stakes and the Gallant Bob Stakes by a combined margin of three quarters of a length, and last year he missed the 6-furlong sprint, the Grade 2 Nashua Stakes by three quarters of a length.
Performances like these over 6 furlong sprints has kept his connections optimistic over his chances of winning, although Trinniberg has been installed as the 15 to 1 choice for the Xpressbet Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
Given the circumstances at Parx Racing and the lineup, Trinniber finished second in her most recent sprint, the Gallant Bob Stakes, and the experience, and the narrow margin of defeat should set him up nicely for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
Rider Willie Martinez, who has been aboard Trinniberg for all of 2012, seven starts to be precise, is confident of the sprinter’s chances after the Gallant Bob stint.
"It was a lot better and stronger race than it looks on paper," said Martinez, a veteran rider most recently based at Presque Isle Downs & Casino this year. "The track was heavy and it was dead (despite the quick pace), and he never saw (the winner) coming."
In the 14 horse field for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, Trinniberg has drawn post number 9, and with most of the speed on his inside, Trinniberg might surprise a few with his blistering pace early on, and with the ability to sustain throughout the distance.
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