Flip Daddy tries to improve to 2 for 2 in Cleveland Kindergarten Stakes

A full field of 12 will go to the post in the $50,000 Cleveland Kindergarten on Saturday at ThistleDown. Eleven Ohio-bred colts and geldings and one filly will contest the six-furlong race, the first stakes race of the year at that distance for 2-year-olds.

KEY CONTENDERS

Flip Daddy (Last Beyer: 49)

◗ He won at first asking in the Hoover at Belterra Park on July 13. That was a 5 1/2-furlong race on a sloppy track. He beat several of today’s foes in there, but the added distance and a fast track could change that.

◗ He earned a 49 Beyer Speed Figure in his only start, the second-highest lifetime Beyer in the field.

◗ The trainer/jockey combo of William Cowans and Deshawn Parker has won 55 percent of their races together over the past two years.

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Draw Nigh (Last 3 Beyers: 44-0-43)

◗ He won his maiden in open company at Presque Isle Downs in his second attempt. In his first try, he earned a 56 Beyer, the highest in the field. After walking off the track in the Grade 3 Bashford Manor at Churchill Downs, he finished second to Flip Daddy in the Hoover.

◗ He is reunited with Huber Villa-Gomez, who piloted him to victory in his maiden win.

Alliseeisgold (first-time starter)

◗ He has had some great works and a steady string of them at Presque Isle Downs.

◗ Jockey Scott Spieth is winning at a 37 percent clip locally this year.

Unbridled Graduate (Last 3 Beyers: 42-34-34)

◗ He was the favorite in the Hoover but finished third. He was gaining late, and the added half-furlong looks to suit him.

Sunshine’s Son Bob (Last 3 Beyers: 48-18-32)

◗ He won his maiden in his last start when coming from well off the pace while earning a 48 Beyer, third-best in this race.