Grass races seem to bring out the best in Noel Hickey`s barn.
Last year, in winning the trainer title at Arlington International Racecourse, Hickey started 85 horses on the turf and took 28 to the winner`s circle for an extraordinary percentage of almost 33.
Among the major races he captured was the Grade III Swoon`s Son Stakes with Blair`s Cove.
But when the 1 1/16-mile turf race is renewed Saturday, Blair`s Cove won`t be among the 10 contestants. Instead, Hickey`s Irish Acres Farm will be represented by Plate Dancer.
”Our plans are to run Blair`s Cove in the overnight handicap here Sunday, which is a mile and a half race on the grass,” said Hickey. ”We know he can go that far. We don`t think Plate Dancer will.”
Both are 6-year-old sons of Hickey`s outstanding sire Bucksplasher, and both were victorious last time out. Blair`s Cove won an Arlington allowance race last week, making him 5 for 11 lifetime on turf. Plate Dancer, who is 5 for 23 on the grass after winning his first start of the year, the Duluth Handicap June 2 at Canterbury Downs.
”Blair`s Cove probably has more talent,” said Hickey. ”But Plate Dancer will do whatever you ask. He won a race here last year on the lead, and he ran third when Frosty the Snowman set the world record (for 1 1/8 miles on the grass in the King Edward Handicap) two years ago at Woodbine.”
