Gold Dollar has experience edge in KJC

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - You can't say D. Wayne Lukas doesn't give his horses every chance to prove themselves. Gold Dollar, who will challenge heavily favored Repent in the $200,000 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes here on Saturday's closing-day card, is a case in point.

Gold Dollar, an Overbrook Farm homebred by Seattle Slew, probably will be the most experienced starter in the Grade 2 KJC Stakes, having already made seven starts. He has won just once but did finish third in the Kentucky Cup Juvenile and Iroquois Stakes.

"He's been knocking on the door," said Lukas. "He's still a little immature yet, but I believe he's coming around. I think there's one of these races out there with his name on it."

Gold Dollar's task in the 1 1/16-mile KJC will be very demanding, if only because of the presence of Repent, who soundly defeated him in the Sept. 16 Kentucky Cup Juvenile.

Repent, trained by Ken McPeek, will be making his first start since having finished second to Johannesburg in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. The late-running Repent is so well-regarded that he is the 10-1 favorite for the 2002 Kentucky Derby with at least one Las Vegas future book.

Other probables for the KJC include Jeremiah Jack, Magic Bid, Request for Parole, and Sky Terrace.

Belterra, Take Charge Lady clash

In the KJC's sister race, the $200,000 Golden Rod Stakes, Belterra is a possible slight favorite over Take Charge Lady. A field of about 10 2-year-old fillies is expected.

Belterra, trained by Carl Nafzger, has been highly impressive in winning her only two starts. Take Charge Lady, trained by McPeek, finished sixth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies after winning the Grade 2 Alcibiades Stakes at Keeneland in her previous start.

Preview of coming attractions

Is Friday's Clark Handicap a preview of the best of the North American handicap division next year?

John Terranova, trainer of Clark entrant Gander, hopes so.

"There's not a lot left in the handicap division," said Terranova, noting the retirement of such top runners as Tiznow, Point Given, and Albert the Great. "It's pretty thin. Maybe we can step up into the void."

Terranova, who in previous winters has carried a string in Florida, said he will not do so this year. He will have most of his horses in New York "and a select few at Hollywood Park." Whether Gander will join the California group has not yet been determined.

"He'll get a short rest after the Clark at Hill'n Dale Farm in Lexington," said Terranova. "Then we'll figure out what to do."

Three straight for Accelerant

Accelerant ($5) got a perfect stalking trip under Marlon St. Julien before going on to his third straight victory in the Tuesday feature, a $58,500 allowance at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Accelerant, owned by Jan, Mace and Samantha Siegel, was the ninth winner of the meet for trainer Paul J. McGee. Going into the final four days of racing, McGee trailed training leader Steve Asmussen by one win.

- Twelve races have been carded for each of the final two days of the meet, with first post set for 11:30 a.m. Racing on the Kentucky circuit moves Sunday to Turfway Park.

- Leading rider Pat Day took off his last four mounts Wednesday because of an upset stomach. He was expected back Thursday.