Bodog Beat

The Breeders' Cup prep races begin this weekend. (AP Images)

North American horseplayers usually think of a ‘turf sprint’ as a grass race at 5 or 5 ½ furlongs. However; with the unique and famed downhill course of the Santa Anita turf track, the first two runnings of the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint will be run at 6 ½ furlongs.

Most turf specialists are used to short dashes, the extra distance may not look like much but the possibility exists that the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on October 25 will look alluring to come-from-behinders wanting to take advantage of the added ground.

The top-ranked contender for the Turf Sprint is Mr. Nightlinger, winner of his last five starts all in turf sprints. The most recent race Mr. Nightlinger won was the August 23 Arlington Sprint at 5 ½ furlongs.

"I don't think the distance itself is a big issue for us, because I think this horse could run up to a mile," trainer Bret Calhoun said.

Nine weeks between races is what Calhoun is mainly concerned about.

"I thought about running him once more, but we really want to get to the Breeders' Cup with a fresh horse," he said.

The Turf Sprint appears certain to be oversubscribed, with a limit of 14 starters. Not only is there a handful of proven prospects from each of the various area in the United States, but the Turf Sprint also should attract horses from other categories.

One such possibility to turn back from longer races is Buffalo Man, depending on how he finishes at the October 4 Shadwell Mile on the Keeneland turf.

"The [Breeders' Cup] Mile is our main goal right now, with the Turf Sprint our second option, but you'd have to think about turning back if a mile's not quite right," said Clint Glasscock, a co-owner in Buffalo Man.

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