Beulah: Only Boy has right style for Ruff/Kirchberg

Only Boy will try to make it three wins in his last four attempts in the $50,000 Ruff/Kirchberg Memorial at Beulah Park on Saturday afternoon.

Trained by Larry Rivelli, Only Boy won the Lewis Memorial at Thistledown on July 13 going the same 1 1/8-mile distance as the Ruff/Kirchberg. It was the first attempt for Only Boy under the tutelage of Rivelli. In his next out, on Sept. 7, the 4-year-old gelding finished third in the Governor's Buckeye Handicap. In his most recent out Oct. 12, Only Boy won the $75,000 Best of Ohio Endurance. Both of his last two races were at a 1 1/4 miles at Thistledown. With plenty of early speed in the eight horse field of Ohio-accredited older horses, the come-from-behind style that Only Boy has exhibited should work to his advantage. Jareth Loveberry will ship in to ride.

Raise the Reward has finished a 1 1/4 lengths behind Only Boy in his last two starts, the Governor's Buckeye and Best of Ohio Endurance. He also finished second, beaten four lengths, in the Lewis Memorial. Trained by Jeff Radosevich, Raise the Reward is 0 for 5 at the 1 1/8-mile distance and has won only 1 of 10 at Beulah Park. Scott Spieth retains the mount.

The Ohio-accredited division is the more restrictive of the two Ohio-bred categories, as both the sire and dam must be registered in Ohio. Others in the field include Dr. Rossi, Beau Mec, Uncle Virgil, Key Low, Howdy Boy Rib and the lone filly in the race, Startin Something.