Great Lakes Downs: Entry favored

The entry of Born to Dance, the 2001 Michigan horse of the year, and past champion Sweetwater Promise was installed as the 7-5 morning-line favorite in the $45,000 Larkspur Handicap at Great Lakes Downs. The six-furlong Larkspur is for Michigan-bred females.

Born to Dance and Sweetwater Promise, owned by Rosendo Parra's Millennium Farms, are trained by James Jackson. Born to Dance, though winless since 2003, has been keeping Grade 1 company in California since her last appearance here in May 2004. Most recently she finished third, beaten two lengths, in the Winning Colors at Churchill Downs. Luis Martinez Sr. is slated to ride Born to Dance, the highweight at 124 pounds. Jorge Collazo Jr. will ride Sweetwater Promise at 115.

Charlies Indian, winner of the 2004 Larkspur, is weighted at 121. Owned by trainer Ronnie Allen and the Volar Corp., Charlies Indian has won 7 of 12 starts, all at this oval, including her last two. She was a five-length winner in a May 24 allowance, defeating Sweetwater Promise, among others. Freddie Mata rides.

Deb's Favorite Gift is 2 for 2 at the meet while facing allowance company. Leading rider Terry Houghton will be aboard.