Can chalk reverse the curse?

Dont Let Down will have to buck a significant trend to win the Grade 1, $426,375 Dash for Cash Futurity for Quarter Horses at Lone Star Park. No favorite has won the race in eight runnings, and Dont Let Down figures to be the favorite Saturday following a dominant trial win for the race Oct. 14.

Dont Let Down cruised to a two-length win in his trial heat, covering 400 yards in a trials-best time of 19.80 seconds. Before the trial, he had finished third by a length in the Grade 1 All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs on Sept. 4.

A winner of 4 of 8 starts, Dont Let Down draws well for the Dash for Cash, getting gate 9. Trainer John Buchanan has given the mount to Juan Vazquez. The won the Dash for Cash in 2000 with Pivotal Decision.

The chief threat could be A Silver Goblin, who has won his last four starts. He is a Grade 2 winner and won his trial in 19.97 seconds.

* This Candys Red Hot, who pulled out a trial win last out after breaking slowly from the rail, looks like a top contender in the Grade 1, $193,300 Dash for Cash Derby at Lone Star. The 440-yard race also drew Ima Ramblin Girl, who is the fastest qualifier for the race, and Fly Corona Cat, a Grade 2 winner two starts ago at Sam Houston.