{"id":74738,"date":"2026-05-01T00:19:21","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T00:19:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=74738"},"modified":"2026-05-01T00:21:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T00:21:14","slug":"the-calgon-turf-sprint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=74738","title":{"rendered":"The Calgon Turf Sprint"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Calgon Turf Sprint (G3) Preview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>May 1, 2026<\/strong> | <strong>Kentucky (KY)<\/strong> | <strong>3 Year Olds &amp; Up<\/strong> | <strong>5 Furlongs (Turf)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today we head to Kentucky for the running of the Grade III <strong>Calgon Turf Sprint<\/strong>, a fast-paced 5-furlong event that has drawn a large and competitive field of sprinters. With $150,000 on the line, this race brings together a mix of proven stakes performers, in-form allowance runners, and seasoned veterans. At this distance, early positioning will be critical, and with several pace elements entered, the race is shaping up to be a true test of speed, timing, and finishing ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. FIRE IN OJAI (CA) 10\/1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This 4-year-old gelding (<em>STRAIGHT FIRE x I AM INVINCIBLE x BRILLIANT SPEED<\/em>) enters in strong recent form with back-to-back wins at the allowance level. While unproven in stakes company, his tactical running style could allow him to stay competitive if he handles the class jump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. SHIOZKO (IRE) 36\/1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This 4-year-old gelding (<em>SIOUX NATION x SEEK AGAIN x GULCH<\/em>) has shown past success at the stakes level but has struggled in recent outings. He will need to return to better form to be competitive here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. MAJOR EXPENDITURE (JPN) 9\/1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This 6-year-old horse (<em>DAIWA MAJOR x JUSTIFY x CANDY RIDE<\/em>) enters in strong recent form, having won three of his last four starts. However, he has yet to win at the stakes level, and his closing running style may prove challenging at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. ROAD FORTYFOUR (GB) 85\/1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This 3-year-old colt (<em>BAAEED x KING KAMEHAMEHA x DEEP IMPACT<\/em>) has a past stakes win but enters off weaker recent form. He will need a significant step forward to factor in this race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. CYBER STABBER (KY) 6\/1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This 4-year-old colt (<em>CYBERKNIFE x AWESOME AGAIN x UNBRIDLED<\/em>) enters as one of the most accomplished runners in the field, with twelve wins from twenty starts, all coming in sprint races. A graded stakes winner, including a <strong>G2 victory last season<\/strong>, he has continued to deliver strong efforts against quality company. Typically sitting just off the early pace, he has the ability to finish effectively in the stretch, a running style that could prove ideal in a race featuring multiple speed types. With both class and consistency on his side, he figures to be a major contender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. BIRCHSTRIDE (KY) 5\/1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This 5-year-old horse (<em>VOLATILE x TAVISTOCK x LEAR FAN<\/em>) enters with a consistent record and a past stakes victory. He typically settles just off the pace and remains involved throughout his races, though he has not won since November of last year. While reliable, he will need to show a sharper finishing kick to contend with the top runners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. GAZZIANA (AUS) 15\/1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This 4-year-old colt (<em>BEST OF BORDEAUX x NEW APPROACH x RAINBOW QUEST<\/em>) has shown ability with a past stakes win and graded placing. However, his recent performances have lacked finishing impact, and he will need improvement to challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. XITHA (SKOR) 14\/1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This 4-year-old gelding (<em>AIR FORCE BLUE x A.P. INDY x EL PRADO<\/em>) presents an interesting profile, having secured all three of his career wins at the stakes level, including a graded victory. While not a frequent winner, he has demonstrated the ability to compete against stronger company when at his best. His recent form has been competitive but inconsistent, and he will need one of his stronger efforts to challenge in this field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. KILL BILL II (KY) 155\/1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This 3-year-old colt (<em>HEARTLAND x BLACK TIE AFFAIR x GHOSTZAPPER<\/em>) has a past stakes win but has struggled in recent outings, failing to make a significant impact against stronger fields. He will need improvement to contend here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. ANDTHAT\u2019SMYSTORY (GB) 8\/1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This 6-year-old horse (<em>SHOWCASING x CARAVAGGIO x PIVOTAL<\/em>) brings significant class into the race, with multiple stakes victories and over $1 million in career earnings. He has shown the ability to compete at a high level, but his closing running style may prove challenging at this shorter distance. He will likely need a strong pace setup to make an impact late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>11. NO HEADBONE PLAYS (KY) 9\/2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This 6-year-old mare (<em>KITTEN\u2019S JOY x LOPE DE VEGA x HENNY HUGHES<\/em>) brings a standout resume into the race, with seventeen wins from twenty-nine starts and multiple graded stakes victories. A proven turf sprinter with nearly $1.8 million in earnings, she has consistently performed at a high level. Known for her early speed, she often establishes position quickly and carries it through the race. However, with several other pace factors entered, she may face more pressure than usual, and how she handles that early challenge will be key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>12. TARZVALDES (NZ) 5\/1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This 6-year-old horse (<em>TARZINO x CAPE CROSS x GIANT\u2019S CAUSEWAY<\/em>) has a proven record with multiple stakes wins and a graded placing. While capable on his day, his recent form has been inconsistent, and his deeper closing style may leave him with too much to do in a short sprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>13. FREYR ZE VERMEER (AUS) 9\/1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This 4-year-old gelding (<em>JOHANNES VERMEER x CAPE CROSS x DYNAFORMER<\/em>) has recorded twelve wins from twenty-three starts and brings solid sprint credentials into the race. His pre-gelding form showed he could compete at this level, though results were mixed at higher levels. Now entering off the procedure, he adds an element of uncertainty, but his mid-pack running style could suit this race if he takes a step forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>14. ADMIRAL AGGIE B (AUS) 17\/1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This 5-year-old gelding (<em>BELLEVUE HILL x ENCOSTA DE LAGO x A.P. INDY<\/em>) brings a consistent profile with several stakes victories. He tends to stay involved throughout his races but has struggled to finish strongly against tougher competition in recent starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Race Outlook<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pace should be fast and contested, with <strong>No Headbone Plays<\/strong> and several others expected to show early speed. This should create pressure up front, preventing any runner from securing an easy lead. <strong>Cyber Stabber<\/strong> is likely to sit just off that pace, positioning himself ideally to strike as the field turns for home. With the early tempo expected to be strong, runners with tactical positioning and the ability to finish will have the advantage, while deeper closers may find it difficult to make up ground over the short distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Selections<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5 \u2013 Cyber Stabber:<\/strong> <strong>Proven class and ideal stalking trip<br>11 \u2013 No Headbone Plays: Elite speed and experience make her dangerous<br>13 \u2013 Freyr Ze Vermeer: Upside and positioning give him a strong chance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Watch List<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&nbsp; 10 \u2013 Fire in Ojai \u2192 In-form longshot<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&nbsp; 5 \u2013 Birchstride \u2192 Overbet but dangerous with trip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&nbsp; 3 \u2013 Xitha \u2192 High ceiling, inconsistent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&nbsp; 7 \u2013 Tarzvaldes \u2192 Late threat if pace collapses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Calgon Turf Sprint (G3) Preview May 1, 2026 | Kentucky (KY) | 3 Year Olds &amp; Up | 5<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7109,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-74738","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74738","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/7109"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=74738"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74738\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":74758,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74738\/revisions\/74758"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=74738"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=74738"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=74738"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}