Great Lakes: Doser starts fast

MUSKEGON, Mich. - Mary Doser, leading rider at the inaugural Great Lakes Downs meet in 1999, grabbed the early lead in the jockey race by winning seven races on the first four racing programs. She won the first race of the meet on Saturday, riding Cassopolis to victory for her husband, former jockey Scott Sowle, who is now a trainer. He previously had served as Doser's agent.

Doser won a pair of races on Sunday for trainer Reid Gross before winning three times on Monday - aboard horses for Sowle, Joe Davis, and Richard Rettele. Rettele was the leading trainer here in 2002 and Doser's primary client.

Freddie Mata, who topped the standings here in 2000, holds the second spot with six wins. Terry Houghton, champion rider for the last two meets, is still out recovering from a concussion suffered last August, but is expected to return in the fall.

Ronnie Allen, Markel Romero, and Gross sit atop the trainer standings with three wins each.

Tom Griffin and Lou Alosso retired from the stewards' stand here at the end of last meet - but they're back.

Griffin is assistant to racing secretary Allan Plever and Alosso is a jockey agent. Alosso represents Panamanian riders Luis Martinez and Octavio Bernal.

Bernal, who is still riding at Tampa Bay Downs, was recently named jockey of the month at the Florida track. Bernal will travel here after Tampa closes on Saturday.

Former rider Heriberto Rivera Jr. and Ken Stock now join Kevin Scheen in the judges' stand.