Charles Town: In the Fairway looks formidable in Coin Collector Stakes

In the Fairway, who soared to a 95 Beyer Speed Figure while crushing open-company allowance foes two weeks ago, will be an overwhelming favorite when he returns to the West Virginia-bred ranks and shortens up to 4 1/2 furlongs in the $50,000 Coin Collector Stakes for 3-year-olds at Charles Town.

A three-time stakes winner as a 2-year-old last season, In the Fairway has won his last two starts, both going 6 1/2 furlongs, by a combined 15 lengths. His two most recent Beyers, 95 and 77, are far better than any recent number recorded by his four rivals in the Coin Collector.

The horse with the best chance to spring an upset may be Mr. Ripken, who has been showing high speed and fading in longer races. In each of his last four sprints, Mr. Ripken has been first or second at the half-mile call. The last time he raced 4 1/2 furlongs, Mr. Ripken won by 2 1/4 lengths in January.