Fearless Cowboy makes first start for new barn

Fearless Cowboy, a stakes winner last summer at Woodbine, merits a slight edge over five rivals in Wednesday's $100,000 Tom Ridge Stakes, a six-furlong race for 3-year-olds on the Tapeta at Presque Isle Downs.

As a 2-year-old, Fearless Cowboy won the $155,000 Colin on Woodbine's Polytrack and finished second there in the $152,000 Victoria. He also ran third in the Grade 2 Saratoga Special on dirt.

In his only two starts this year, Fearless Cowboy was far back in the Grade 2 Swale at Gulfstream and flashed speed before tiring in the $174,000 Woodstock at Woodbine.

Mike Trombetta took over as Fearless Cowboy's trainer since the Woodstock, and he wins at a 34 percent clip with horses the first time after a trainer switch. Scott Speith will ride for the first time.

Turf sprint specialist Flamin' Hot will try to make it three in a row, but has yet to race on a synthetic surface. Trained by Richard Violette, Flamin' Hot is 3 for 3 on turf, but has yet to run well beyond 5 1/2 furlongs. Alan Garcia, also the jockey for Fearless Cowboy his last three starts, has chosen to stick with Flamin' Hot in this spot.

Strapping Groom is the 2-1 choice on the track's morning line. He has been second in two stakes this season, including the Hansel last time out over the Polytrack at Turfway Park on March 27.