M One Rifle Will Try Turf in Arcadia

In 18 career starts, M One Rifle has never raced on grass and never raced beyond seven furlongs. That will end Saturday when the 6-year-old California-bred gelding runs in the Grade II Arcadia Stakes at one mile on turf.

“All of the races his sire (One Man Army) won were on the grass,” said trainer Bruce Headley in explaining his decision. “Plus, his body’s lengthened out now, and that’s why he’s lost his speed. The way he’s acting, how he looks and because of his pedigree are reasons we decided to try the Arcadia.”

M One Rifle, winner of the Grade I Malibu Stakes at seven furlongs in 2009, finished fifth in his most recent outing, the Grade II Palos Verdes Stakes at six furlongs on the main track on Jan. 21. Joe Talamo rides M One Rifle in the Arcadia. Also set for the race are Mr. Commons with Mike Smith and Pathfork with Joel Rosario.