Celtic Sword Will Try to Go Distance on Turf

Celtic Sword has sprinted successfully in his eight-race career, winning four and finishing second or third on three other occasions.

A 6-year-old gelding bred in Argentina, Celtic Sword will stretch out to a mile on turf in today’s seventh at Santa Anita.

Owned by Marsha Naify and Woodside Farms LLC and trained by Julio Canani, the son of Hidden Prize will have only four opponents in the $54,000 allowance.

A winner of two four starts in his native country, Celtic Sword, who will be ridden by Martin Pedroza, also has won two of four in the U.S. He won two sprints at Hollywood Park and Del Mar during the summer.

The field is completed by Terroplane, Tobe Suave, Scheffer and Saint Buddy.

Trained by Neil Drysdale for a partnership, Terroplane is the most accomplished member of the field on grass. He has won four of 10 at today’s distance, earning more than $204,000. Kent Desormeaux, who rode the gray gelding to a win May 5, 2004, has the mount.

Race of the day: Southern Success, who has won both of his starts by a combined 12 lengths, will make his first start at Belmont Park in today’s $100,000 Nashua at one mile. Jeremy Rose will ride the 2-year-old son of Dixieland Band for Roll Z Dice Stable and trainer Tim Ritchey.

One for the road: La Reason drops into a softer spot for trainer David Vance and should be close early in a race that came up short on pace in today’s third at Keeneland. Rafael Bejarano, the meet’s leading rider, will be aboard the 5-year-old Labeeb mare for owner-breeders Ron and Tom Kirby in the $58,000 allowance at 1 1/16 miles. She looks like a single in the first pick four of the day.

Exotically speaking: A place pick all using Our Southern Pearl and Ole Cheryl in the first, Event To Remember in the second, Harriett Lane in the third, Anthony Eats in the fourth, Trickey Diva and Belong In Beauty in the fifth, Alissa’s Atm, Jr. Lifeguard and Stephen’s Ghost in the sixth, Celtic Sword in the seventh and Never Ever in the eighth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 3/67. Money: (previous day/meet total): $11.40/$356. Total money bet: $396.