Great Lakes: 'Wind' off stakes win

MUSKEGON, Mich. - Above the Wind will try to make it two stakes wins in a row when he takes on five other Michigan-breds in the $40,000 Michigan Breeders' Cup Handicap at Great Lakes Downs.

Above the Wind, a 7-year-old, won the Wolverine by five lengths on June 12. He had three wins at Tampa Bay Downs this past winter, including the Pelican and Super Stakes. Leading rider Terry Houghton gets the call in lieu of the injured Freddie Mata, who usually handles Above the Wind. Ronnie Allen trains Above the wind, a son of Island Whirl for the Hamco Group LLC.

Above the Wind drew the rail and will be asked to carry 125 pounds, giving nine to 14 pounds to his rivals in the 1 1/16-mile race.

Rockem Sockem, the top 3-year-old on the grounds, is back for more from his elders. Unbeatable while facing his contemporaries, Rockem Sockem has been humbled against older competition, losing to Above the Wind in the Wolverine and to Secret Romeo in an earlier allowance race.

Bob Gorham, who trains Rockem Sockem for owner Henry Mast, will bring in Tommy Molina from Chicago to ride at 112 pounds.