Dr. T.F. Classen Memorial a tough spot for Ebby
The 3-year-old filly Ebby, perfect in two stakes appearances last season, will challenge older horses while making her first start in five months in Saturday’s first stakes of the season at Thistledown, the $75,000 Dr. T.F. Classen Memorial Stakes.
The six-furlong race, restricted to Ohio-accredited fillies and mares, drew a field of seven.
After finishing fifth against open company in her career debut last July, Ebby won back-to-back stakes at Mahoning Valley as the favorite. She will need to run substantially faster than the pair of 45 Beyer Speed Figures she posted in those victories to succeed Saturday.
The fastest horse in the race appears to be the 5-year-old mare Hope’s Frog Song. Fourth while sprinting against open company last time out, Hope’s Frog Song was in front at the six-furlong call in each of her three previous races, all going two turns.
The field also includes the 8-year-old Startin Something, who won this event in 2013, and Deniro’s Saint, a two-time stakes winner going long in 2015 and second in this stakes two years ago.
Dr. T.F. Classen, Race 7
KEY CONTENDERS
Ebby, by Pyrite Captain
Last 3 Beyers: 45-45-8
◗ She’s 2 for 2 going six furlongs and is unbeaten against Ohio-breds, but the long layoff and facing more experienced older rivals may be a difficult assignment.
Hope’s Frog Song, by Kentucky Dane
Last 3 Beyers: 55-55-69
◗ Her speed figures look good against this group.
◗ She has yet to win a stakes and is winless in four starts at Thistledown.
Deniro’s Saint, by Saints n’ Sinners
Last 3 Beyers: 54-58-57
◗ Most of her success has come in longer races. Her only two wins going six furlongs came way back in 2012.
Startin Something, by Musical Dreamer
Last 3 Beyers: 40-41-40
◗ This 8-year-old frequently hits the board but hasn’t won in a long time. She’s 0 for 17 over the past two seasons.
Derby Day Storm, by Habayeb
Last 3 Beyers: 33-30-52
◗ She returned from a 5 1/2-month layoff to win this stakes last season but subsequently has lost seven in a row.
◗ She shows a couple of bullet works at Turfway Park in preparation for her first start since December.