Early probables for Bourbonette, Rushaway
Besides the Lane's End, Turfway will run five other stakes on its Saturday card, topped by the Grade 3, $125,000 Bourbonette Oaks and the $100,000 Rushaway Stakes.
Among the top names for the Bourbonette, a one-mile race for 3-year-old fillies, are Midway Holiday, Helen Belen, Absinthe Minded, and Lisa's Kitten. The 1 1/16-mile Rushaway is expected to get Instant Message, Activity Report, Lonesome Street, among a handful of other 3-year-olds, according to Turfway stakes coordinator Tia Murphy.
The other supporting stakes are the Fairway Fun, Queen, and Hansel, all worth $50,000.
Goncalves nearly ready to ride
Jockey Leandro Goncalves could be riding as soon as Saturday after undergoing rehabilitation in recent weeks following surgery on both hips.
"If he can't make it back by Lane's End Day, he'll be ready for sure in time for opening day at Keeneland [April 2]," said Steve Elzey, agent for Goncalves.
Goncalves, 27, last rode Feb. 13 at Tampa Bay Downs before stopping to have bone spurs shaved from both hips. He had a breakthrough year in 2009 when riding primarily in Kentucky, with his mounts earning nearly $3.9 million.
* Eric Davis and Chris Sabo, two key members of the 1990 Cincinnati Reds world championship team, are scheduled to sign limited-edition bottles of Maker's Mark being sold in conjunction with the 2010 Lane's End. The autograph session will be held Saturday from 8-11 a.m. Eastern at Gate B. Restrictions do apply, with further information available on turfway.com.
* After Sunday, only four days will remain at the winter-spring meet at Turfway, and it looks like the race for the jockey title might come down to closing day, March 28. Into Friday night action, Tommy Pompell and Rex Stokes were tied with 46 winners apiece with John McKee third with 40 winners.
*The Sunday feature at Turfway is the eighth of nine races. It's a first-level allowance for fillies and mares at a mile, with Go Lydia Go, Slick Miss, and Flat Chance the top contenders in a field of nine.