Mr. Mink is always tough on this track

ANDERSON, Ind. - Mr. Mink will defend his title against 11 older Indiana-breds in Sunday's $40,000 Brickyard Stakes at six furlongs.

Mr. Mink won this race a year ago under hand urging and in fast time, and he has been in solid form again this year with a mark of 4-2-0 from 6 starts, all for trainer Mike Nance. His first trip over the Hoosier oval this year was a second against $25,000 optional claiming company on Sept. 16.

A horse for the course, Mr. Mink has compiled an 8-1-0 mark from 10 starts at Hoosier Park. His lone off-the-board effort came in last year's To Much Coffee Stakes at 1 1/16 miles, when he tired and finished far back. Tommy Pompell will ride Mr. Mink from post 7.

Red's Honor, a 7-year-old, won this race in 2001 and has a career bankroll of more than $330,000. Trained by Dale Romans, he has made just two starts this year. After tiring to seventh against $35,000 claiming company at Saratoga on Aug. 4, he redeemed himself with a three-length win over $20,000 claiming company there in his next start. He has been training at Turfway Park. Red's Honor breaks from post 12 with Rodney Prescott named to ride.

Pass Rush enters the Brickyard off a strong win in the Gus Grissom Stakes here on Oct. 1, but may be at a disadvantage sprinting. A 6-year-old, Pass Rush has run out more than $540,000 in earnings. Terry Thompson will come in to ride for trainer David Vance from post 5.

Edgerrin, named for the Indianapolis Colts running back Edgerrin James and owned by Herb and Darlene Likens, enters the race off a pair of allowance wins. Trained by Barb McBride, Edgerrin breaks from post 4 with Billy Patin riding.