Erratic in the turn, Slider was all business in the stretch to prevail going away in the $100,000 Speakeasy Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita in his grass debut, punching his ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1).

The 2-year-old colt was sharp out of the gate to take command but he veered out and lost some position turning for home, before recovering to regain the lead and score as the favorite for trainer John Sadler.

Jockey Hector Berrios said, “He saw himself that’s why we drifted out so wide. When he felt the pressure coming from the other horse he returned inside, and he was able to win without any trouble. He grabbed the grass good no problem.”

Slider, acquired at the OBS April sale of two-year-olds in training, finished second on the dirt in his debut and then graduated second-time out on September 9.

Sadler said, “We switched him to the grass today because we’re hoping to run in the Juvenile Turf Sprint. I think what happened there turning for home was a combination of being a little green and being on the turf. I thought he was very impressive. To stay collected the way he did and come back and get that horse, that was impressive.”

Daily Racing Form: Slider Re-Rallies to Take Speakeasy