Colonial: Big Patti goes for hot barn

Big Patti, who responded with the fastest race of her eight-race career when tried on the turf last time out, looks like a prime contender among nine Virginia-bred and Virginia-sired 3- and 4-year-old fillies in the $60,000 Oakley Stakes at Colonial Downs.

The best endorsement for Big Patti is her red-hot connections. A. Ferris Allen, the all-time win leader among Colonial trainers, went 4 for 4 on Wednesday's card. Jockey Horatio Karamanos rode four winners on the same program, three for Allen.

Facing open company in a second-level optional $32,000 claimer at Pimlico in her turf debut, Big Patti passed four horses and gained almost 5 1/2 lengths to just miss by a neck. She was disqualified, however, and placed sixth for drifting out in deep stretch. Her Beyer Speed Figure of 83 is by far the best figure in Saturday's field.

The most accomplished grass horse in the race is Angel I B, whose 3-for-10 turf record includes her maiden victory over the course last summer. Three weeks ago, Angel I B led until deep stretch and was beaten less than a length in a second-level allowance turf sprint at Pimlico.