Classic Ramona returns for repeat bid in Richmond

Classic Ramona will attempt to win the $84,000 Richmond at Hoosier Park for the second consecutive year Saturday. A 5-year-old mare trained by David Paulus, Classic Ramona comes into the 1 1/16-mile event off a two-month layoff. The same pattern worked for Paulus in 2009 when Classic Ramona wired the field at 7-1.

Although Classic Ramona is winless in four attempts this year, a return to the Indiana-bred and -sired ranks should help her chances. The Richmond is one of a few Indiana-bred races where not only must the horse be Indiana-bred, but must be sired by a registered Indiana stallion.

Classic Ramona has two bullet five-furlong works coming into the race. D.J. McFadden will ride for the first time.

Ms. Cat Princess is the only 3-year-old in the field of 10 fillies and mares and will be trying two turns on the dirt for the first time.
Ms. Cat Princess has faced stakes company in three of her last five starts. She finished second in the Shelby County on June 4 at Indiana Downs and third in the First Lady July 6 on the Indiana Downs turf course, her only attempt at two turns. Most recently, she finished third in the Merrillvillle locally Aug. 28.

Now trained by Richard Kohnhorst, Ms. Cat Princess will be ridden by Orlando Mojica, her pilot for her first two wins. Ms. Cat Princess should be well backed, as she has been the favorite in 8 of 9 lifetime starts.

Solo Go Go has come around for trainer Tianna Richardville, having won third- and fourth-level allowance races locally. Solo Go Go's just-off-the-pace style should suit her well in a field where there appears to be plenty of speed. Regular rider Rodney Prescott retains the mount.