Another taking shot on grass

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Now is the time of year that most owners and trainers begin to determine whether their top fillies and mares will continue racing next year or begin their careers as broodmares.

For owner Robert Masterson and trainer T.V. Smith, it might seem a given that they would retire Another. After all, Another is a 4-year-old Seattle Slew filly who earlier this year earned graded stakes type by winning the Grade 3 First Lady Handicap at Gulfstream Park.

But Another will race next year at 5, Smith said Sunday.

"Although," he added, "as soon as her form falls off, or she takes one false step, we'll take her home,"

One thing about Another that has Smith intrigued is whether or not she can take on a new dimension. On Wednesday, she will race on grass for the first time - part of a full field of fillies and mares in the eighth-race feature at Churchill Downs, a $58,500 allowance at five furlongs.

Smith said turf racing for Another, an earner of more than $250,000, "might give us something new to look at" next year.

"There are races like this all over the country," he said. "So we agreed this is the right time to try. This race came up at a good time for her."

Another, with Calvin Borel to ride, drew post 4 in a field that will be limited to 10 starters.

The most formidable opponents for Another will be Silent Stream, who scored an impressive victory in a turf route here two weeks ago, and Island Echo, who sprang an upset at 10-1 in the same sort of race here early in the meet.

Also in the field are Pine for Me, Diablos First Lady, Expensive Slew, Lady Gin, Thunder Sands, Bare Legs, and Hazino.

Lady Gin, with Pat Day to ride, has become a Midwest specialist at turf sprints for trainer Don Von Hemel, and is yet another logical contender in an excellent wagering event.

The Wednesday card also features an interesting $42,000 allowance for 2-year-old fillies (race 5). The race will be the first for Colonial Glitter since she finished third as the favorite in the Debutante Stakes in July, behind two fillies who went on to become Grade 1 winners, Cashier's Dream and You. Also entered is Open Story, who dead-heated for win in the Three Chimneys Juvenile on Kentucky Derby Day.

The sixth and seventh races also will be run under allowance conditions. In the seventh, Sheriffs Lap, Day up, will be the one to beat traveling the infrequently run distance of 1 3/16 miles.

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