Key contenders not exactly battle-weary

A field of nine Ohio-breds is slated to go in the six-furlong, $50,000 Honey Jay Stakes. Two of the top three contenders - Ben's Reflection and Dooze - have raced a combined total of just five times this year, and a third major contender, Tri Uimet, will be making his season debut.

Ben's Reflection, 7, has been the top statebred sprinter over the past several years. He has made two starts in 2007, has one win, and finished second behind Dooze in his most recent start, on Aug. 12 at River Downs. He has a strong 14-3-3 record from 20 starts at six furlongs. Ben's Reflection is trained by Michael W. Nance and will be ridden by Luis Martinez Jr.

Tri Uimet is a rapid 4-year-old Lac Ouimet colt making his first start since last September. In 2006, he won back-to-back sprints, then was stretched out around two turns and won the 1 1/8-mile Cleveland Gold Cup and set the pace in the Ohio Derby before finishing sixth and last. He comes into the race off two bullet works and likely will be the pacesetter. Scott Spieth will ride for trainer Jeff Radosevich.

Dooze has won 2 of his 3 starts this year, both sprints, and beat Ben's Reflection in his last race, a front-running score going 5 1/2 furlongs. He should give Tri Uimet a tussle for the early lead and will be a solid factor. Edgar Paucar will ride for trainer Michael J. Maker.