Classy Beck in sharp form

Classy Beck has posted two wins and a second-place finish from her three starts over the Louisiana Downs turf, and she puts that record on the line in a $27,000 allowance for fillies and mares. The one-mile feature carries no conditions and drew a field of six.

The winner of a first-level allowance last time out, Classy Beck narrowly missed in a similar spot on May 18. Carefully handled by trainer Andy Leggio this year, Classy Beck has raced four times in 2008, including twice at Fair Grounds. She has a 2-3-1 record in 11 career starts, eight of which have come on the grass.

Nine M. M. appears to be the one to catch, although her connections may opt to go in Saturday night's $60,000 Matron Stakes at Evangeline Downs, where she is cross-entered. Trained by George Northrop Jr., Nine M. M. set the pace in the Top Corsage Stakes locally on May 24 before giving way to winner Nice Inheritance in the late going.

Nice Inheritance is also entered in the Matron, which may prompt Northrup to keep Nine M. M. here.

Lew's Gray was a close second in her turf debut in a statebred optional claiming race on July 10, and will attempt to validate that effort for trainer Tom Howard. That was her first start in two months.