Great Lakes: Deb's Favoite Gift is favored

Deb's Favoite Gift will be the favorite in the $50,000 Larkspur Handicap at Great Lakes Downs. A six-furlong event for Michigan-bred fillies and mares, the Larkspur is the sixth of eight races on the evening card.

Deb's Favoite Gift will carry top weight of 119 pounds in the Larkspur, a race in which she was third last year. She is part of a three-horse entry trained by Gerald Bennett. Bucky's Prayer, one member of the entry, has already been entered back in a Monday overnight race. The other Bennett horse, Gold Ginny, is expected to start in the Larkspur.

Deb's Favoite Gift won five races here last year, including the Farer Belle Lee Handicap. She will be making her local seasonal debut in the Larkspur. In her most recent start, she was fifth in the Decoration Day Handicap at Mountaineer Park on May 29. Jose Delgado will be in for the return mount.

Leading trainer Bob Gorham entered two horses, Sheza Match and Ima Bender Boo. Sheza Match is 2 for 2 in allowance company at this meet. Ima Bender Boo, who has been second twice at this meet, finished fifth in the Larkspur last year. The Gorham entrants will race as separate betting interests.