Don't count out the youngsters

Until mid-spring 3-year-olds are largely kept separate from older horses, except in maiden races. But once April rolls around, the youngsters start getting their chances against their elders.

That time is Friday for a trio of 3-year-old fillies entered in a $27,000 second-level allowance at six furlongs on the main track, which highlights a nine-race program at Lone Star Park. The seventh race, it is the richest race on a card that begins at 6:35 p.m.

The three 3-year-old fillies are contenders to different degrees. They are Bombarda, a runaway winner of the Southern Mississippi Owners and Breeders Stakes at Fair Grounds; Lady Countdown, winner of the last year's Debutante Stakes at Assiniboia; and the comebacking Kristys Gold Forum, who ran first or second in three starts last year.

Of the three, Bombarda is expected to be the most fancied by the betting public. Starting for the high-percentage Bret Calhoun stable and owner William T. Reed, she appears poised for a strong effort in her first start since winning the Feb. 6 Southern Mississippi Owners and Breeders Stakes over an unaccomplished field by 11 1/4 lengths. That performance earned her a 76 Beyer Speed Figure. Brian Murphy rides.

Of the 4-year-old fillies or mares in the race, Eyes on the Gold and No Other Tone appear fastest. Eyes on the Gold comes off a six-length victory in an off-the-turf allowance race at Retama and won her only start at Lone Star last year by five lengths. No Other Tone is dropping in class after finishing fifth in the Santa Theresa Stakes at Sunland Feb. 14. No Other Tone also won at Lone Star last year. She is proven fresh and returns for a skilled trainer of comebackers, Jack Bruner.

w The Randy Rogers Band plays after the races and is expected to take the stage at approximately 11 p.m. Admission to the concert is free with $5 general admission before 9 p.m. Admission rises to $15 after 9 p.m.