Makin Copy's, Salony slight edge

Makin Copy's only win came against maiden claimers. Salony hasn't won at all.

Despite those obvious flaws, both 2-year-old West Virginia-bred fillies may have a distinct advantage over their eight rivals in the $50,000 Eleanor Casey Memorial Stakes at Charles Town.

Makin Copy, a wire-to-wire winner against open company two starts back, and Salony, who just missed at 33-1 in her next-to-last race, own the best Beyer Speed Figures at the 6 1/2-furlong distance of the Casey.

In her only start against winners, Makin Copy passed four horses and gained 8 3/4 lengths to finish second to Sassy Sheri going 4 1/2 furlongs. The extra distance should work to Makin Copy's advantage.

Although Sassy Sheri could go off favored in the Casey after winning back-to-back starts, her pair of 41 Beyers are low compared with the 49 Makin Copy earned for her maiden victory and the 52 Salony was awarded for her second-place finish against open maiden special weight company.

In addition to her status as a maiden after seven starts, Salony must overcome the season-long 0-for-32 slump of her trainer, Karen Freer.

The only other filly in the field with a good race at a distance longer than 4 1/2 furlongs is She Just Might, who drew poorly in post 10. She won her maiden in the mud going 6 1/2 furlongs in September, but the Beyer came back a weak 17. She hasn't finisher closer to the winner than 8 1/4 lengths in three subsequent starts, all in stakes.