Amy Farah Fowler needs best behavior in Mark McDermott Stakes

The filly Amy Farah Fowler has pulled a variety of antics to begin her career, but has still blossomed into a promising racehorse. A solid first foray outside her home state makes her a logical choice as she returns home to face fellow Pennsylvania-bred juveniles in the $100,000 Mark McDermott Stakes on Sunday night at Presque Isle Downs.

Amy Farah Fowler, a daughter of Astrology owned and trained by Ron Potts, ran off in the post parade prior to her debut May 21 at Presque Isle, then shied three times from a right-handed whip in the stretch run. Yet she still powered clear to win by 5 1/4 lengths. In her second start, Amy Farah Fowler broke free from her handlers in the paddock prior to the race July 5, but again proved much the best to win the optional-claiming event by 8 3/4 lengths.

Amy Farah Fowler then traveled to Monmouth for the Aug. 4 Colleen Stakes, which was rained off the turf. She was reluctant to load but professional once the gates opened, finishing second to the promising Mae Never No. Mae Never No, who previously finished third in the Tremont Stakes, was entered in the Sorority Stakes on Saturday at Monmouth.

Huber Villa-Gomez, who was aboard Amy Farah Fowler for her first two starts at Presque Isle, gets back aboard Sunday. The pair drew the outside post in the field of six.

Delta Express tries to go 3 for 3 in the Mark McDermott. Trained and co-owned by Jason DaCosta, he took a maiden race by 4 1/2 lengths at Thistledown and then won an optional-claiming event by 5 1/4 lengths at Presque Isle.

Jump for Alex was a 3 1/2-length debut winner in July at Parx Racing for trainer Guadalupe Preciado. The colt earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 78, the top number in this field, but is stretching out from 4 1/2 furlongs to six furlongs for the McDermott.

Pemaquid Sally has won once from five career starts. The maidens Baby Brez and Hide the Candy complete the field.