Bold Cait, Justalittlesmoke meet yet again in Michael Mackey Memorial/Angenora Stakes
Justalittlesmoke beat out Bold Cait for champion Ohio-bred 3-year-old filly of 2015. Although both won five races during their campaigns, Justalittlesmoke held a 4-2 advantage in stakes victories, and they split two decisions going head to head.
Based on one start this year, Bold Cait may be the better filly now. She defeated Justalittlesmoke by nearly seven lengths three weeks ago and brings a four-race winning streak into their rematch in Saturday’s $75,000 Michael Mackey Memorial/Angenora Stakes at Thistledown.
The six-furlong race for Ohio-bred fillies and mares also attracted Chain Yanker, who makes her stakes debut riding a four-race unbeaten streak since December, and Blazing Bling, the winner of last year’s Angenora.
Michael Mackey/AngenoraRace 7
KEY CONTENDERS
Bold Cait, by Sun King
Last 3 Beyers: 75-77-64
◗ She has crushed Justalittlesmoke the last two times they met, albeit both times on muddy tracks. She hasn’t lost since finishing second to Justalittlesmoke in the six-furlong Southern Park at Mahoning Valley in March 2015.
Justalittlesmoke, by Smoke Glacken
Last 3 Beyers: 60-70-77
◗ After five wins and three seconds in eight starts last season, she began her campaign by finishing a distant third May 14. She has been involved in the exacta in 5 of 7 starts locally.
Chain Yanker, by Delta Miner
Last 3 Beyers: 70-67-73
◗ Gets tested for class after building a winning streak in an allowance, two starter allowances, and an optional claimer. She projects as the pacesetter.
Blazing Bling, by Too Much Bling
Last 3 Beyers: 51-61-55
◗ Although a nine-time winner, she’s just 1 for 9 over the past two seasons and has lost six straight since her victory in this stakes a year ago. Needs a form reversal from her last start, in which she was beaten nearly 11 lengths.
Tune Up, by Giant Oak
Last 3 Beyers: 63-66-53
◗ This 3-year-old defeated open company in an allowance two starts ago, but all four of her victories have come at Mahoning Valley. In contrast, she’s 0 for 5 at Thistledown.