Greer Lynn back off impressive maiden win

NEW ORLEANS - Three allowance races - the fifth, seventh and ninth - highlight an unusually strong card for a Monday at Fair Grounds.

The fifth race, a 5 1/2-furlong first-level allowance on turf, may become more interesting if switched to the main track, with two talented fillies Greer Lynn and Heart Ashley waiting in the wings.

It has been six weeks since Greer Lynn's impressive maiden victory, and she may finally get a chance to run again. She is entered for the main track only, but with rain in the forecast, her connections were preparing to race.

Greer Lynn worked Saturday morning, going three furlongs in 37 seconds.

"She blew out this morning," said trainer Paul McGee. "She's been training really good."

Greer Lynn won her maiden in her second start, on Dec. 18, going six furlongs on the main track. She broke well, went to the front, and won going away, finishing 3 1/2 lengths in front of Hightap, who won in her next start.

"The only other allowance race was 18 days after her last race, and that was too quick," McGee said. "This is our first real opportunity."

Heart Ashley was unable to make the lead in her first attempt at this allowance condition, finishing second in a six-furlong sprint here on Dec. 27. If she runs, she'll have to contend with Greer Lynn's early speed.

"Greer Lynn had more speed in her second race," said McGee. "If she breaks sharp, we won't take her speed away from her."

Dabbers Chief is the X-factor in race 7, a 7 1/2-furlong second-level allowance on the turf for Louisiana-breds.

The list of uncertainties about Dabbers Chief is long: past performances that define unpredictability, racing for a new trainer, racing in America for the first time, facing Louisiana-bred for the first time.

Bought at a Fasig-Tipton sale at Keeneland in July 2007, Dabbers Chief has raced exclusively in England, winning his maiden in his second attempt and finishing third in the Rose Bowl Stakes. He also ran in two graded stakes, but showed little in either race.

Dabbers Chief was purchased in October at the Newmarket horses of racing age sale in England, and has been working at Fair Grounds for trainer Tom Amoss since early November.

His morning works have been solid, and Amoss is hoping he runs as well in the afternoon as he has worked in the mornings.

"He's been training well," said Amoss. "I'm not sure what to expect, but hopefully he runs to how he's prepared for the race."

In race 9, a third-level optional claiming race for Louisiana-bred fillies and mares, Runaway From Itall will be looking for redemption.

In his last start on Jan. 5 here, he finished third while closing sharply in an off-the-turf optional claiming race over a sloppy main track. Monday's race is at the same level and condition, and Runaway From Itall should run well in his third race after a layoff.

Nakika enters the race off two straight wins, but will be testing her ability to get the mile distance.

Bridgmohan expected back Monday

Jockey Shaun Bridgmohan, who was injured on Thursday, was probable to return to racing on Monday.

Aboard Lucky Skat in Thursday's first race, Bridgmohan hit the side of the gate at the start, knocking his foot from the iron, and pulling his groin muscle.

"He tried to ride on Friday, and he felt he couldn't give 110 percent," said his agent, Doc Danner. "He is going to be off on Sunday and try and ride again on Monday."

Bridgmohan was fifth in the jockey standings entering the weekend, and is the regular rider for the potent Steve Asmussen barn.