Turbo Compressor Tries Twelve Furlongs

With his intimidating speed, the 4-year-old ridgling Turbo Compressor has developed this year into one of the dominant turf runners in the country. Fresh off a gate-to-wire victory in the Grade 1 United Nations last month at Monmouth Park, Turbo Compressor will attempt to race farther than he ever has before on August 18 when he goes 1 ½ miles in the Grade 1, $600,000 Sword Dancer Invitational.

Trained by Todd Pletcher for P and G Stable and Off the Hook LLC, the Florida-bred Turbo Compressor sold for a modest $22,000 at the 2010 Ocala Breeders' Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. He has since won $920,960 and has been at his most formidable on the front end, winning the $500,000 Colonial Turf Cup at Colonial Downs prior to the United Nations.

After Turbo Compressor tired to third behind graded stakes winners Mucho Macho Man and Ron the Greek in the Sunshine Millions Classic in January at Gulfstream Park, Pletcher gave him a shot on turf and he has since won three of four starts. His only loss came when he was taken off the pace in the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic on Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs.

Up until now, the 1 3/8-mile United Nations is the farthest Turbo Compressor has been asked to run, and he won by 1 ¾ lengths, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 101. His sire, Halo’s Image, is not noted for grass progeny. His broodmare sire, Wild Event, however, is.

Pletcher sees the stretch-out in the Sword Dancer within reach.

“It simply depends on pace scenario, but he continues to handle the increases in distance we’ve been offering, and he appreciates being on the lead. It’s not only his ability to show speed, but he relaxes once he’s there.”

In addition to Turbo Compressor in the Sword Dancer, Pletcher also plans to send out In Lingerie in the Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama, as well as Pocket Cowboys in the $150,000 West Point, presented by Trustco Bank on August 16, and Medolina and Disposablepleasure in the Grade 2, $200,000 Woodford Reserve Lake Placid on August 19.

“In Lingerie has trained well since her last race,” said Pletcher of the Empire Maker filly, who was third as the betting favorite to Questing in the Grade 1 TVG Coaching Club American Oaks on July 21. “We believe the 1 1/4 miles will suit us well.”

In Lingerie, owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, won the Grade 3 Bourbonette Oaks at Turfway Park in March and the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico on May 18 prior to the Coaching Club. She will have her final serious breeze for the Alabama on Sunday, said Pletcher.