Bridgmohan's task: Ration Be Golden's speed

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Be Golden is facing a good field in Thursday's featured eighth race at Churchill Downs, a $45,200 second-level allowance that includes three stakes- placed runners. She just isn't facing Tequilas Dayjur, and that leaves her in position to pick up her third victory.

Be Golden was not so fortunate on April 30 when she lined up against Tequilas Dayjur in a 6 1/2-furlong race. Off alertly, she was pushed into a demanding pace by Tequilas Dayjur, covering a half-mile in 44.94 seconds.

Leaving the turn, the pair opened up seven lengths on their closest pursuer, Meredith Bee, and although they both grew a bit tired late, they remained clear of the opposition, with Tequilas Dayjur winning by 2 1/2 lengths over Be Golden.

Meredith Bee was another three-quarters of a length behind Be Golden in third.

A race that appeared good at the time, it seems even stronger now that Tequilas Dayjur returned to win a third-level allowance May 23, pushing her record to 4-for-5.

Steve Margolis, who trains Be Golden for owners Richard, Bert, and Elaine Klein, said he hopes she will not have to go so quickly in the early stages of Thursday's 6 1/2-furlong race. She gets a change of rider to Shaun Bridgmohan.

"She is just kind of aggressive and wants to go on her own," he said. "I'm glad she got the 6 hole. I think Shaun will be a good fit for her, can nurse her along, and hopefully she'll run a big race for us."

Meredith Bee will try to catch Be Golden. Making her third start off a layoff, Meredith Bee seems poised for a competitive performance under Miguel Mena.

Earlier this year, Meredith Bee ran second in the Manatee Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs for trainer Bill Mott.

The seven-horse lineup includes a pair of stakes placed 3-year-old fillies: Bamboo, who ran second in the Miss Powder Puff in her last start Nov. 17 at Hawthorne, and Minewander, who ran third in the last year's Grade 3 Arlington-Washington Futurity and was sixth most recently in the Grade 3 La Troienne on Kentucky Derby Day, May 3.

Lenawee also merits attention following a pair of victories, a maiden triumph at Keeneland over Polytrack on April 6 and an entry-level allowance score in the mud at Churchill early on the Derby Day card. A late runner, she would benefit if Be Golden is forced to run quickly early by the other prominent speed horses in the field, Star of Luvina and Bamboo.