Morey finds just the right spot

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Sometimes a horse can provide a trainer with a pleasant surprise. Looksflip'n', who began her career in a maiden claiming race, has done that for Billy Morey, and he hopes the 4-year-old filly can improve off her first two races on Friday at Bay Meadows.

Looksflip'n' drew the rail against six rivals in a six-furlong starter allowance race.

Looksflip'n' had a few minor problems and took time to mature, and didn't make her debut until Dec. 6 here. Morey opted to start her for a $32,000 tag.

Breaking awkwardly from the rail, Looksflip'n' ran an even third against Gayle's Gala, one of Friday's foes, and Respected, who came back to win her next start in a $40,000 maiden claimer at Santa Anita.

"She ran a good race the first time out, even though she didn't break well," Morey said.

Because Looksflip'n' ran so well in her debut, Morey didn't want to risk losing her and entered her in a straight maiden race Jan. 12 for her second start. She sat back early, finished strongly, and was pulling away late.

"I was kind of pleasantly surprised with the way she finished," Morey said.

Looksflip'n' has worked well since her maiden victory. She has three works over the Bay Meadows track, winding up with a best-of-25 five-furlong work of 1:00.20 on Feb. 6.

"This is a logical spot for her next start," Morey said. "She won't have to run for a tag, and she'll gain more experience. It should be easier than an allowance race, but it's a good field."

Included in the field is Gayle's Gala, who ran second in the mud in a similar spot, which came seven weeks after her maiden victory. She's had a bullet work here since that start.

Classy Jo was third behind Gayle's Gala in her last start and has a second and two thirds at this level since her maiden victory.

Slick Road figures to be the speed of the race, although Milkshake Mania, who has set the pace in recent routes, cut out fast fractions in her last sprint.

All Candy split Classy Jo and Slick Road in her last start. Celines Melody makes her first start in two months, returning to a sprint after running long. Her lone victory came sprinting here.