Bruanna able to run despite some bruises

EAST BOSTON, Mass. - A training mishap earlier this week won't keep probable favorite Bruanna from running in Saturday's $35,000 Miss Indy Anna Stakes at Suffolk Downs.

The 5-year-old Bruanna heads a field of nine fillies and mares in the six-furlong Miss Indy Anna, but she nearly missed the opportunity following an impromptu tour of the Suffolk barn area Monday morning.

"The iron broke on the exercise rider and she got loose," said Robert Gorham, who assists his brother, trainer Mike Gorham, with the New England string. "She got a few bruises, but nothing that's going to keep her out of action."

Bruanna looked good winning a money allowance race here April 21 for the Gorhams, who have roots in New England but have mainly raced at Delaware Park.

Last year, Bruanna rattled off five straight wins, including two stakes, but she was cooked in a head-to-head battle with Xtra Heat in the Grade 3 Endine in September. A subsequent three-race losing streak, including a sixth-place finish in last month's Carousel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, convinced the Gorhams to bring Bruanna to New England to restore her confidence.

"We brought her up here to get her back on track," said Robert Gorham. "She had won all those stakes and was going so good, but going head-and-head with Xtra Heat just took so much out of her. We figured to get her confidence back up here with this competition because she's a really good horse."

There are no Xtra Heats in this group, but there are several quality local stars, including the entry of Special Jule and Rodeo Springs. Special Jule won the Floyd Duncan Stakes in January. Rodeo Springs is making her 2003 debut after going 3 for 3 in 2002 at Suffolk, including a win in the My Fair Lady Stakes.

Former top New England owner Michael Gill has entered New Music, who is 5 for 7 at Suffolk.

Top Massachusetts-bred stakes winners Big Miss and Sunlit Ridge are also threats. Trainer Pat Reynolds entered Lifebythedrop, who has won two straight, at Aqueduct and Philadelphia Park.

The Miss Indy Anna is a part of a 14-race doubleheader program with a noon post time.