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| Staff Writer |
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Despite recent disruption from Southern California wildfires, Straight No Chaser remains firmly on course for next month's US$2 million Gr.2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint, with connections mapping out an ambitious global campaign.
The recent closure of Santa Anita Park forced trainer Dan Blacker to adjust his stable star's routine, with the track shut on January 7-8 due to safety concerns and poor air quality. Upon reopening, activities were initially restricted to jogging and galloping, but the 6YO has since returned to full work.
"We got very lucky with the wildfires," said MyRacehorse racing manager Joe Moran. "Santa Anita did a great job constantly monitoring the air quality with the local fire marshal. He did miss a few days because of that, but he was able to get back on the work tab and not miss too much time."
The Speightster entire, currently a dual Eclipse Award finalist for champion male sprinter and older dirt male, demonstrated his wellbeing with a five-furlong workout in 1:00 4/5 on January 13.
Looking beyond Saudi Arabia, connections are eyeing the US$1.5 million Gr.1 Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan on April 5, with Moran noting: "I think the only reason we're considering it is because it is the first year where those two races are six weeks apart. We always monitor him and his energy levels after races. We would try to target both races in the Middle East and then bring him home and freshen him up."
Upon returning stateside, the focus shifts to defending his Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Sprint crown at Del Mar on November 1, with a likely preparatory run in the Gr.2 Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes in late September.
"If there's one more race added in (the summer), that could happen," Moran added, "but we'll just have to see how everything goes."