Great Lakes Downs track report

MUSKEGON, Mich. - Akatsakat, the top 3-year-old at this meet, will try to win his third consecutive stakes race Saturday in the $45,000 Dowling Stakes at Great Lakes Downs. The one-mile race drew a field of eight Michigan-bred 3-year-old colts and geldings.

Owned by Mast Thoroughbreds, Akatsakat was second in his local bow opening weekend against older runners. He has been unbeatable since, winning the Lansing and Spartan Stakes against his contemporaries. His other stakes win came in last fall's Michigan Futurity.

Akatsakat is trained by Bob Gorham, who is second in the local standings to Gerald Bennett, who has three in the race.

Joe Judice retains the mount on Akatsakat, who drew the outside post.

Beau Classic, second to Akatsakat in the Spartan and Michigan Futurity, also returns. Trainer Bob Miller will give a leg up to leading jockey Freddie Mata.

A newcomer to the stakes level is Grand Circus Shark, who won his maiden at first asking by 4 1/2 lengths for trainer Karl Waters.

Grand Circus Shark was subsequently disqualified following a post-race medication test. He came back four weeks later for trainer Holly Crago and won easily. Colin Skinner will again ride Grand Circus Shark.