Powell Eyes G2 Eddie D and G2 John Henry on Saturday

September 30, 2022

ARCADIA, Calif.— Based on his closing rally in the Grade II Del Mar Handicap at 1 3/8 miles on turf Sept. 3 in which he was second by a half-length, Leonard Powell is hoping for a similar stretch kick from Dicey Mo Chara in the John Henry Turf Championship at 1 ¼ miles on Saturday.

“We’re just hoping for a good trip,” said the trainer, who has engaged Ryan Curatolo to ride the four-old English-bred gelding for the first time competitively.

“He’s worked him, so he knows him,” the 46-year-old Frenchman said of the 30-year-old Curatolo, a fellow countryman.

Powell also has Air Force Red set for Saturday’s Grade II Eddie D. Stakes at about 6 ½ furlongs on the downhill turf course.

A four-year-old Air Force Blue colt, Air Force Red is shortening up from the Grade II Del Mar Mile in which he led before being caught in the stretch. The bay ridgling has two allowance wins over Santa Anita’s downhill course, however.

“He won on the course and at the distance before, so we’re hoping for a very good effort,” Powell noted.

Santa Anita Park Press Release/Edited

Photo: Dicey Mo Chara (Benoit Photo)


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Great article and you are absolutely right. However your piece is sensible and logical- something that doesn't register with the opposition (who rely on emotion and "siege tactics")

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