Chicks a Flyin returns from four-month layoff

Chicks a Flyin will return from a four-month layoff Saturday in the $40,000 Free Spirit at Ruidoso Downs, and while away he was flattered by the horses he defeated back in April in the $50,000 Golden Circle at Prairie Meadows.

Backtrack, who was second to Chicks a Flyin, returned in his next start to win a $25,000 optional claiming race at Canterbury with a Beyer Figure of 84. Stachys, meanwhile, finished fourth in the Golden Circle, then came back to win an allowance, also at Canterbury, with a Beyer of 80.

Chicks a Flyin shows some sharp works for his return in the six-furlong Free Spirit. He could get a tracking trip behind Mr. Golden Ruler, who in his last start was second by a neck in an 870-yard stakes that included Quarter Horses.

Casey Lambert has the mount on Chicks a Flyin for trainer Ray Ashford Jr.

Guiding Hand also enters the Free Spirit off a key race. He was second in the $100,000 San Juan County Commissioners at SunRay Park in his last start July 4, and while just two horses from that race have run back, both won allowances in their subsequent starts. Miguel Hernandez has the mount for trainer Henry Dominguez.

Highest Humor, who won a $5,000 claiming race at Ruidoso on June 26, has not lost since, and is seeking his fourth straight win Saturday. He comes into the Free Spirit off a three-length romp in a $10,000 optional claiming race for which he earned a career-high Beyer of 81.