Iflookscouldkill a new threat

PHOENIX - While the cat's away the mice can play. That's very much the scenario for Saturday's $40,000 Cactus Flower Handicap at Turf Paradise as Muir Beach, the top female on the grounds, was not entered after being assigned 128 pounds for the six-furlong Cactus Flower. That gives seven others a chance to reap the dividends.

Yet even as local distaffers were licking their chops at a chance for big bucks with no Muir Beach in the way, in comes Santa Anita shipper Iflookscouldkill to carry highweight of 120 pounds and present a new hurdle.

Conditioned by Santa Anita's leading trainer Doug O'Neill, was freshened after finishing last in Grade 2 La Canada in February. A winner of 5 of 9 efforts as a 3-year-old last year, Ifllookscouldkill has been out of the money in two efforts in 2005. Ifllookscouldkill has been facing much tougher and may appreciate the class drop here. Felipe Martinez has the call.

Turf Paradise's leading trainer, Troy Bainum, will saddle northern California import Yummy Yummy. He breaks from the outside post under Kyle Kaenel at 116 pounds.

"Good speed, short field, nice post; we're taking a shot," said Bainum.

The speedy Yummy Yummy registered victories at Lone Star and Arlington last summer. She has won two in a row, both at Bay Meadows.

Trainer Eric Kruljac sends out uncoupled runners Fun'ngames Toknite (115) and Coke's Melody (118). Fun'ngames Toknite set the pace in the Bueno Stakes here April 3, and finished second as the favorite. Regular jockey Scott Stevens rides. Coke's Melody, who is a stretch-runner, will be ridden by Jorge Carreno.

Coke's Melody returns to the races after a five-month layoff.

"She may run a great race or may need an out," said Kruljac.

Kruljac said he is pointing Coke's Melody for the $40,000 Desert Sky Handicap on May 7.