Ticket to Sprint on the Line in Smile

With the male sprint division picture somewhat murky this year so far, runners in Saturday's GII Smile Sprint S. at Gulfstream Park can secure a coveted spot in the starting gate for the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint. Limousine Liberal (Successful Appeal), second to last year's divisional champion Runhappy (Super Saver) in the GI King's Bishop S. at Saratoga in August, was beaten a neck in Parx's GIII Gallant Bob S. Sept. 19 before failing to show his best in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint Oct. 31. He reemerged to blitz Keeneland optional claiming foes by 4 1/2 lengths Apr. 9, but could only manage sixth after setting the pace in the seven-furlong GII Churchill Downs S. May 7. He came up a head short at 4-5 last time in the GIII Aristides S. back under the Twin Spires June 4. “He's had some close calls in graded stakes,” acknowledged trainer Ben Colebrook. “He was a little unlucky in some of them. I don't think he was unlucky against Runhappy, other than Runhappy came to Saratoga to run–that was the only unlucky part.” Colebrook added, “He ran a good race last time; he just couldn't get there. That horse that beat him was pretty game–Alsvid (Officer)–loves Churchill.” Delta Bluesman (Wagon Limit), representing the always dangerous Jorge Navarro barn, aired by six lengths in a track-and-trip optional claimer Apr. 13, and crossed the wire first in Monmouth's May 14 Decathlon S., only to be demoted to fifth for crossing over on rivals around the bend. He most recently guided Eighty Three (Harlan's Holiday) around the Oceanport oval June 11. Eighty Three is one of two runners for David Jacobson along with the streaking Chief Lion (Wildcat Heir). The latter was claimed for $62,500 out of a winning effort at Santa Anita Apr. 9, and earned a 102 Beyer Speed Figure when thrashing foes at Penn National May 5. He was similarly speedy in a Belmont optional claimer last time June 15.