Diavoletto seeks repeat in Honey Jay Stakes

It will be the battle of past champions Sunday when a full field of 13 goes postward in the $50,000 Honey Jay Stakes at ThistleDown. Three 2013 Ohio champions will contest the six-furlong event for older horses. Diavoletto was the sprint champion, Raise the Reward the handicap and accredited champion, and Plain Ol’ Willard the 3-year-old champion of last year.

Key contenders

Diavoletto (Last 3 Beyers: 71-72-72)

* Won this race last year at 5-1 and was named sprint champion. Is winless in three starts this year, however.

Rivers Run Deep (Last 3 Beyers: 70-74-76)

* Trounced Ohio-bred rivals when facing them the first two times at Belterra Park by nearly 23 lengths combined. Finished third in the 1 1/8-mile Cleveland Gold Cup in his last outing when sent off as the favorite.

* Has hit the board in all five starts at this distance, three times at Oaklawn Park against open company.

* Has been working forwardly at the Thoroughbred training center.

Rookie Gladden (Last 3 Beyers: 51-74-60)

* Has won 2 of 4 races this year and won 3 of 4 last year.

* Has won 4 of 5 at the six-furlong distance.

* The jockey-trainer combo is winning at a 37 percent clip over the past two years.

Quasi Folle (Last 3 Beyers: 44-80-72)

* Has won 4 of 8 lifetime and 4 of 5 at the distance.

Candy Bites (Last 3 Beyers: 46-87-74)

* Has the highest lifetime Beyer Speed Figure in the field – an 87 earned two starts ago locally at the same distance.

* Has won 4 of 12 at this distance lifetime.

* Was claimed in November at Fair Grounds and given time off. This is his fourth start off the layoff for new trainer Larry Rivelli.