Recent claimer appealing in Diliberto Memorial

Six stakes will be offered on the Santa Super Saturday program at Fair Grounds and I will focus upon the $75,000 Buddy Diliberto Memorial. Contested over 1 1/16 miles on the turf, the race drew nine runners including the uncoupled Mike Maker pair of Sir Dudley Digges and Tizzarunner and Grade 3 winner Thatcher Street.

I like the chances of #6 Turbo Street (6-1 morning line) in his second start for Steve Asmussen.

A stakes runner-up in Australia, Turbo Street was sent to America and transferred to Brian Lynch. The 6-year-old made his first three U.S. outings in either stakes or stakes-quality allowances and while unplaced, his BRIS Late Pace ratings were increasing every time, registering a 102 at Belmont Park in mid-June.

Like so many Southern Hemisphere imports before him, it’s fair to say Turbo Street may have needed some races to acclimate to the new environment. But previous connections gave up quickly, dropping him in for a $25,000 tag two starts back, and owner Clark Brewster and Asmussen took advantage. Turbo Street finished a neck second in the claimer to multiple Grade 2-winning millionaire Slim Shadey, who is still going strong despite entering the twilight of his career with three wins and a nose second from the last four starts.

The appearance at the $25,000 claiming level should throw off bettors but I’m unconcerned having seen this scenario play out before. Maker has had a barn full of haltered claimers (Da Big Hoss, Bigger Picture, Al’s Gal, Greengrassofwyoming etc) who can get into a positive form cycle and while improving, they’re able to step up and win stakes races at a price.

This is the kind of spot I want to bet Turbo Street. He’s clearly heading in the right direction, recording his first win stateside in the September 24 Remington Green last out, and the competition isn’t too steep. Hoping he gets overlooked by bettors due to false class concerns.

Tickets

I will play Turbo Street straight and a couple of Pick 3s surrounding the Diliberto, singling impressive maiden winner Principe Guilherme as well in the first one.

4th race $1 Pick 3: All with 3 with 6 ($8)

6th race $1 Pick 3: 6 with 1,2,3,8 with 1,2,4,5,6,8,9,10,12 ($36)

Good luck!