ROUTER SPRINT SECOND BACK

Fires when today's distance is 7 furlongs or less, the current gap is under 45 days, the last-race distance was also under 45 days (sprint debut off the layoff), and the race before that was a route of 8 furlongs or more. A router that tried a sprint in its first start back and now returns for a second sprint while still getting fitter creates an interesting combination: the horse is not fully at sprint pace but is gaining fitness while the sprint distance tests a different part of its ability. Trainers sometimes use this pattern to prep horses before returning to routes.