BC Internationals: Turf Sprint contender Washington DC

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Washington DC is trying the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) for the second time, following a seventh on Santa Anita’s downhill course last November. Sporting the dark silks on the inside in the stretch, he just gets outkicked.

 

Unlike 2016, when he entered as a smart sophomore just held by Marsha in the Prix de l’Abbaye (G1) and hadn’t missed by much in the King George (G2) and Flying Five (G2), Washington DC has found it difficult to maintain that level of form in 2017.

Little can be concluded from his seasonal reappearance in the March 25 Al Quoz Sprint (G1), where he finished seventh, since O’Brien’s older horses often aren’t trained to peak on Dubai World Cup night. Washington DC ran as if in need of the race, at one point trying to reach contention before flattening out. Considering that he spent a good chunk of 2016 at five furlongs, it’s understandable that he got tired going six first up, especially on rain-softened ground that's not ideal. Watch him (in the dark Magnier colors) as he briefly gets into position behind the gray Richard’s Boy.