Divine Dawn, Mizz Money get rematch in Lacombe Memorial

Trainer Larry Jones sent out the one-two finishers, I’m a Chatterbox and Lovely Maria, on Feb. 21 in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes at Fair Grounds, and his stable’s depth in the 3-year-old filly division runs deeper than just that pair.

Divine Dawn could only finish fifth behind I’m a Chatterbox in the Silverbulletday Stakes in January, but she looks like the horse to beat Saturday in the $60,000 Allen Lacombe, a 7 1/2-furlong turf stakes for 3-year-old fillies.

Divine Dawn could only finish second in the allowance-race prep for the Lacombe, beaten there by Mizz Money, who also runs back Saturday, but the easy lead and soft pace that Mizz Money got last time should not be as easily attained in the Lacombe, which drew 12 entrants, several of whom should be bound for the front end. Mizz Money, drawn in post 2, is a good filly and might prove quick enough to lead, but she will have to work for it.

The Lacombe should stay on turf, with the local forecast calling for Saturday sunshine and a high near 60. The stakes goes as the ninth of 10 races at 5:22 p.m. Central.

The expansive field lacks proven quality, especially on grass, and what’s interesting is how few of the fillies are obviously bred for the surface. In fact, none of the dams of the dozen entrants ever won a turf race of any sort.

KEY CONTENDERS

Divine Dawn (Last 3 Beyers: 69-75-71)

◗ She has speed in her own right but sat just off the pace to win a first-level turf-route allowance early in the Fair Grounds meet.

◗ Well drawn in post 9 for a spying trip, and with a good break and luck, she should get a favorable journey.

◗ Trainer Jones has been on an epic roll in Fair Grounds stakes races this season, compiling a 12-5-2-2 record with a $4.91 return on investment.

Mizz Money (Last 3 Beyers: 71-69-40)

◗ She’s 2 for 2 since being switched to turf, and though she’s a front-runner, this short-route trip is well within her scope if she can avoid a taxing pace duel.

◗ Trainer Bernie Flint also has been hot at Fair Grounds, going 14-5-2-2 with a $5.84 ROI since Feb. 1.

Cardinal Girl (Last 3 Beyers: 72-60-59)

◗ Her 2 for 2 turf record has come in claiming races, but she beat older rivals last time, and her speed figures match up favorably with the top contenders in this stakes race.