Cosporosity drops into softer spot

BOSSIER CITY, La. - Cosporosity, whose exploits on the grass this summer included an appearance in the Grade 3 Dallas Turf Cup at Lone Star Park, should find the company in Friday's optional claiming feature considerably friendlier. The race, at about 1 1/16 miles on grass, carries an entry-level allowance condition for those not running for the $16,000 claiming price. It drew 13 entrants, including a main-track-only entrant, Giant Thief, and two also-eligibles, Must Be He and Dynaruler.

Trained by Dallas Keene, Cosporosity put together back-to-back victories at Lone Star in the spring before venturing into stakes company for the first time in the Turf Challenge in June. A Golden Missile gelding, Cosporosity had to settle for fifth that day but turned in a career-best 83 Beyer Speed Figure. A similar effort on Friday would likely land him back in the winner's circle. Donnie Meche will handle the riding chores.

Greenhill Charlie, idle since a second-place performance in allowance company at Lone Star in July, returns to the races for trainer Michael Stidham. Greenhill Charlie is a 3-year-old gelding by With Approval and has finished second or third in eight of his 10 races. He joined the ranks of winners via disqualification after a runner-up performance over the Lone Star turf in June. Tracy Hebert will be in the saddle.

Butter Money will put his three-race win streak on the line Friday as he tries the turf for just the second time. The Marvin Davis trainee marched quickly through his conditions late in the Evangeline Downs meeting this summer. Regular rider Marlon St. Julien will be aboard.

Leading trainer Cole Norman will send out Ivory Coast, who just missed for a $25,000 tag in his last race, restricted to nonwinners of three. However, he had his number put up that day after being interfered with in the late going, so his record stands at a perfect 2 for 2 over the local turf.

* The Louisiana Downs NTRA Qualifying Handicapping Tournament is slated for Oct. 14. Entry fees are $250, with $190 going toward prize money and $60 to be used for 15 $2 win-and-place wagers. To guarantee a spot, handicappers must register by Oct. 12.