Norman has aces in both futurities

BOSSIER CITY, La. - This weekend may look to be a lull before next Saturday's Grade 2, $750,000 Super Derby, but don't tell that to the participants in this Saturday's Razorback and Lady Razorback futurities. This year's editions, for 2-year-olds bred in Arkansas, are among the strongest in the 12-year history of the events.

Colts and geldings are in the spotlight first, as the Razorback goes as the sixth race of the afternoon. Chief Chubby will try to validate an impressive maiden score against open company July 17. A son of 1988 Arkansas Derby winner Proper Reality, Chief Chubby is sent out by perennial leading trainer Cole Norman, who has been keeping Chief Chubby busy in the mornings between starts. Guy Smith will once again be in the saddle.

, one of four sons of Storm and a Half entered in the Razorback, most recently tried a tough group of open rivals in the Minstrel Stakes on Aug. 13, finishing fifth by 15 1/2 lengths. In his only other start, Twining Storm was an impressive winner at first asking. Lonnie Meche will ride.

Former Louisiana Downs regular Hal Wiggins ships in from Kentucky and will send out Brassie Prince for his first stakes try. Another son of Storm and a Half, won his maiden at first asking at Ellis Park last month. He will be ridden Saturday by E.J. Perrodin.

In the Lady Razorback, Norman also has the one to beat in Love the Beach. A daughter of Salt Lake, Love the Beach will be coupled in the wagering with the Stanley Roberts-trained Devil in the Storm.

comes off a second-place finish in the Princess Stakes here on Aug. 28. Before that effort she just missed in an allowance to Angel's Are Due, whom she will face again in the Lady Razorback. Smith will ride.

, also part of a stable coupling, staged a mild rally in the Princess Stakes but had to settle for fourth. She is also by Storm and a Half and adds Lasix for her second stakes try. Luis Quinonez rides.

Coupled with Angel's Are Due will be another Wiggins invader from Kentucky, Beautiful Rainbows. Beautiful Rainbows could represent the speed in the race, as evidenced by a front-running maiden score at Churchill Downs earlier in the summer. Carlos Gonzalez rides.