Blu Vapor on a tear in 2008

Blu Vapor will put her 2008 undefeated streak on the line when she faces 11 other Indiana-bred fillies and mares in the $100,000 Merrillville at Hoosier Park on Friday.

Trained by Tracey Wisner, Blu Vapor has won all four of her starts this year. In her first race of the season, on May 10, the 4-year-old gray won an entry-level statebred allowance race at Indiana Downs by 3 1/4 lengths. She came back May 26 and won a second-level allowance by six lengths. After a three-month freshening, Blu Vapor won a third-level allowance on Sept. 6 by 2 1/4 lengths. She then won an open allowance race in her last out here Sept. 21 by 2 1/2 lengths and earned a lifetime-best Beyer of 79.

Three of Blu Vapor's four wins have come at 5 1/2 furlongs, a half-furlong shorter than the Merrillville. Regular rider Rodney Prescott will get a leg up.

Linda's Lace finished second in the Merrillville last year, when the purse was $45,000. All Indiana-bred stakes this meet were raised to $100,000 due to slots revenue at the track. Most recently, Linda's Lace, who is trained by Bob Zahl, finished second to Blu Vapor in an allowance race. Prior to that she won an open allowance here by 2 1/2 lengths.

Linda's Lace has been a horse for the course here, winning 5 times and running second 4 times in her 11 local starts. Leandro Goncalves retains the mount.

The ultra-consistent Princess Composer also may have a say in the outcome of the Merrillville. A 6-year-old, she sports a record of 17-4-4 in 27 lifetime starts. Regular jockey Jose Camejo will ride.

Completing the field are Brean Can, Easy Tee, Amature's Prize, Lil Mai Tai, Monica Unbridled, She's a Red Devil, and the entry of Evenly and Our Betty Lou.