Lukas colt has look of a star

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - For the first time in 21 years, Trainer D. Wayne Lukas will not win a graded stakes in New York in 2003. In fact, his only stakes win on the New York Racing Association circuit this year came in February, when Boston Park won the ungraded Whirlaway Stakes.

The Lukas stable has an excellent chance to end the year on a positive note, however, when Quick Action, a 2-year-old colt who looks to be graded-stakes caliber, faces five rivals in Friday's $60,000 Maria's Mon, an overnight stakes race at six furlongs.

Quick Action, an Overbrook Farm homebred son of Carson City, won his maiden by 4 1/4 lengths Nov. 15, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 93. Although the final time of 1:12.03 doesn't seem impressive, times were slow that day because of high winds - which forced the cancellation of the Nov. 13 and 14 cards.

"There was a really strong headwind, and I think his race was the quickest on the card," said assistant trainer Peter Hutton. "That race proved he had the talent we thought he had. I would have been real, real disappointed if he didn't run like that. We're excited about him."

Quick Action has breezed four times since that race, including a three-furlong blowout in a bullet 35.07 seconds Monday over Belmont Park's training track. Friday's race could help determine whether Quick Action remains in New York or spends the winter in Florida.

Julie Krone rode Quick Action last month; Heberto Castillo Jr. has the call Friday.

Quick Action may not even have to duplicate his first effort to win in what appears to be a suspect field. Of his five rivals, War's Prospect may have the best chance to upset. A New Jersey-bred son of Lion Cavern, War's Prospect is 2 for 2 since adding blinkers. One of those wins came in the New Jersey Futurity, a sprint he won by 4 1/4 lengths at The Meadowlands on Nov. 7.

Trained by Bill Anderson, War's Prospect will have to carry 122 pounds, conceding 3 to 7 pounds to the rest in the field, and is taking on open company for the first time. Chuck Lopez has the call from post 3.

Tale of Woe, a son of Tale of the Cat, wheels back 16 days after winning his maiden by 1 1/4 lengths over Guy Getaway, who finished second to Quick Action on Nov. 15.

Manitoy, Scary Bob, and Johnny Tornado complete the field.