Moseley on hold, but speed on hand

EAST BOSTON - Boston's best sprinters spent this weekend last year prepping for the $200,000 James B. Moseley Handicap. That stakes isn't on the schedule this season, but that won't stop several of those top runners from returning to headline Saturday's Preakness Day card at Suffolk Downs.

Crypto Dixie finished second in the William Almy Jr. stakes at this time last year and went on to grab fifth-place money in the Moseley four weeks later. He drew the rail for Saturday's $22,000 allowance race under jockey Winston Thompson. A 6-year-old, he won three allowance races and earned a special achievement award from the New England Turf Writers for his efforts, and with a 9-for-28 record at Suffolk, he should be up for a big return to action after three below-par performances over the winter.

His main competition will likely come from his own barn. Owners Barry LLP and trainer Pamela Angevine also send out a 2004 regional award winner, Dhaffir, for his second start of the season. He was sixth in the Moseley last year and won his 2005 debut May 7 by a nose over First Shot, who is also back in here.

Crypto Dixie and Dhaffir are coupled in the wagering, with Thompson named on both.

First Shot will be the likely pacesetter. A speedster trained by Herm Kinchen, he has finished in the money in 28 of his 48 Suffolk races. One of the times he failed to finish near the top was in last year's Almy, but that was after setting blistering fractions, including a rare sub-45-second half-mile in 44.63. Fellow front-runner Beat the Traffic should keep him honest, but a sub-45 half isn't likely Saturday.

Tam's Tune has no black type on his resume, but with leading trainer John Rigattieri sending him out on the heels of a four-length victory May 2, he figures to attract plenty of betting support in the six-furlong race. Jockey David Amiss, who was out of racing for several years, has the call in search of his third win since coming back for this meet.

Future Fantasy rounds out the field.

Joey Fund to benefit from hot dog fest

This will likely be the most-attended racing weekend in New England this year, with the Preakness simulcast on Saturday and the 16th annual Hot Dog Safari on Sunday.

In addition to a special racing card, the Safari will feature all-you-can-eat hot dogs and ice cream for a $15 donation to the Joey Fund fighting cystic fibrosis. Local sports legends including Doug Flutie will be on hand for the daylong event.