Next start uncertain for Peppers Pride

The $55,000 Lincoln Handicap at Ruidoso Downs, in which Peppers Pride was to shoot for her 17th consecutive win, has not been rescheduled for this weekend as originally planned because the track is still recovering from seven inches of rainfall that forced it to cancel its entire card last Sunday.

A track spokesman said it is yet to be determined whether the Lincoln will be rescheduled.

The situation leaves plans for Peppers Pride, who will set a modern record for consecutive wins by a North American-based Thoroughbred if she wins her next start, up in the air. If the Lincoln is rescheduled before the Ruidoso meet ends Sept. 1, she would be considered for the race, said her trainer, Joel Marr. He said another option is the $50,000 Carlos Salazar at The Downs at Albuquerque on Aug. 17.

Ruidoso had 10 stakes for New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses scheduled last Sunday. Rains from the Hurricane Dolly storm system hit that morning and washed away track surface material, forcing the cancellation of that card, as well as the races on Thursday and Friday. All of the races for Saturday's card will be for Quarter Horses.

The Quarter Horse strip was virtually unharmed by the storm. Ruidoso is scheduled to resume training Friday.- Mary Rampellini