Based on debut, Running Bride has talent

Running Bride was impressive in her local maiden win and tries to repeat that performance in the $70,000 City of Anderson at Hoosier Park.

The City of Anderson, a 5/12-furlong stakes for Indiana-bred 2-year-old fillies, attracted a field of 11.

Trained by Eddie Kenneally, Running Bride won her debut by seven lengths Aug. 14. She has worked forwardly at Churchill Downs, with a best-of-28 work a week ago. A $120,000 purchase as a yearling, she is the first Indiana-bred Kenneally has trained.

"We weren't looking for an Indiana-bred when we bought her at Keeneland last fall," he said. "She was just such a good-looking filly and we thought she was worth the money. It just so happened she was Indiana-bred."

Kenneally was impressed with her debut win and expects better from her Saturday.

"She broke slow in her first out and then won easy," he said. "This race should set up well. Being able to come from off the pace is a good quality to have."

My Cherokee, a first-time starter, may have a say in the outcome of this race. My Cherokee has turned in two recent bullet works at Hoosier, including five furlongs in 57 seconds, .60 of a second faster than the running time of Running Bride's maiden win.