Beulah: Diavoletto looks to double up

Diavoletto will try to repeat his last performance and make it two in a row in the $50,000 Howard B. Noonan at Beulah Park on Saturday afternoon. Trained by Mike Rone, the 3-year-old gelding trounced a field of other Ohio-breds in his last out March 31.

The six-furlong allowance event was the same distance as the Noonan and Diavoletto won by nearly 11 lengths, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 79, the highest of any of the 12 starters. It was the first out of the year for Diavoletto after finishing second in two outings last season. A son of Stephen Got Even, he was the post-time favorite in the Best of Ohio Juvenile at Thistledown October 15 but finished second to License to Bling. Rafael Hernandez retains the mount.

License to Bling was the Ohio-bred 2-year-old champion off of that Best of Ohio win and is part of a three-horse entry to be sent out by Tim Hamm. It will be the first outing of the year for License to Bling after winning 2 of 4 races last season. A son of Too Much Bling, he has been working well at Keeneland for Hamm and should give a good account of himself. Rafael Mojica will ship in to ride. Private Cause and Mercer's Mark, both multiple winners as well, will be coupled with License to Bling in the 12-horse field of Ohio-bred horses. Private Cause is the lone filly in the field.

Trainer Doug Cowans sends out two entrants, who will be uncoupled because of different ownership. Bakers Haulover won the Ohio Freshman locally last season and Potential Argument is undefeated in two lifetime starts. Others in the filed include John Galt, Risky Romance, Not An Altar Boy, Eyes Super Freaky, Doctor Diego and Uncle Virgil.