Marked Time staying on turf

To say Marked Time moved up on turf in her most recent start would be an understatement. She jumped 21 points on the Beyer Figure scale May 28, when she won a conditioned claiming race at about a mile on turf at Louisiana Downs.

Marked Time earned a career-best Beyer of 80, a number that ranks as the best last-race Beyer in the ninth race, a first-level allowance for fillies and mares that will be run at about a mile on turf. Others in the 10-horse field include sharp debut winner Watching Beth.

Marked Time's initial turf start last month was also a rare two-turn out for her. She tracked the pace like a pro before surging for a neck win.

"I think the grass helped her and she always showed that she wanted to go two turns," said Charles Hukill, who trains Marked Time for Kenneth Kidd. "We just didn't have the opportunity to do so in the right spot, so we went to two turns on the grass and it worked out."

Hukill, who is tied atop the local trainer standings, looks for Marked Time to again race within striking distance Saturday.

"Going long, she has the speed to lay where she needs to," said Hukill, who has given the mount to Jose Riquelme.

The chief threat could be Perfect Linda, who is undefeated in two starts. She has won both of her races wire to wire, one at a mile on turf. Patrick Valenzuela has the mount for trainer Morris Nicks.