Madison Davis tops Bay Meadows feature

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Madison Davis, who showed promise in three Northern California starts, returns from an unsuccessful sojourn to Del Mar to head a field of five 3-year-old fillies in the $34,000 allowance feature at six furlongs at Bay Meadows Thursday.

Madison Davis made her debut at Bay Meadows in May, zipping to a four-length victory over straight maidens after dueling to the stretch. Brought back in an allowance race, she again dueled early, then drew away to win by 2 1/2 lengths.

Trainer Art Sherman tried her in the Fairfield Stakes at Vallejo on July 21 and she raced fairly well, finishing fifth, but only 1 1/4 lengths out of first despite a tough trip. She did not show her usual speed and was fanned wide on the turn, yet loomed up boldly in midstretch before hanging at the end.

Sent to Del Mar for an allowance/$62,500 optional claimer against older foes, she went off at 15-1 and faded to seventh after showing sharp speed to the stretch.

Now, she is back at her own level, in her own age group, and on her favorite track, and seems set for a big race at a short price.