Missing Sefa warrants attention

It's not all too often that a trainer keeps the same horse in his or her stable for more than five years, but that's the case with Jamie Grubbs and a 7-year-old mare named Missing Sefa.

"I claimed her as a 2-year-old on Dec. 3, 2004, at Turfway Park," said Grubbs. "Now she's like a member of our family."

Missing Sefa will make the 59th start of her career Friday night at Turfway in Florence, Ky., when she breaks from post 1 in the 11th of 12 races, a $24,900 allowance that serves as the featured event. Dean Sarvis has the call on Missing Sefa, whose consistency and solid recent form will make her a top consideration in a field of seven fillies and mares.

"She tries hard every time and runs over everything, especially the Polytrack," said Grubbs, who runs a midsized stable based at Turfway. "She obviously has her problems, but I think the Poly has really helped keep her going as long as she has."

Grubbs said she fears Rumor Control, trained by Mike Maker, as the main challenger Friday. "Mike has beaten Missing Sefa with so many horses that I've lost count," Grubbs said. "Hopefully he won't do it to us again."

First post Friday is 5:30 p.m. Eastern, with the 11th set for 9:59.