Ocarson tries to uphold family honor

The 3-year-old filly Ocarson is a year older than her half-sister Carphonic. But in terms of career accomplishments, the Philadelphia Park-based Ocarson has some catching up to do with her younger sibling.

Carphonic, based in Florida, improved her record to 2 for 2 when she scored a three-length victory in last month's $150,000 Joe O'Farrell Juvenile at Calder.

Ocarson, a daughter of Olmodavor out of the Carson City mare Carsomatic, has raced just three times since winning her maiden in her second start in November 2008. She will attempt to clear her first allowance condition in Monday's featured ninth race at Philly Park. The six-furlong sprint, which carries a $45,000 purse, drew a field of nine, including four last-out winners.

Trained by Butch Reid, Ocarson most recently was second as the 4-5 favorite in what has turned out to be a key race. The winner of that Nov. 6 sprint, Bright Abyss, and third-place finisher Sophie's Meatball both came back to win their next start.

Lady in the Money and Heroic Pursuit should challenge Ocarson on Monday.

Lady in the Money, 2 for 2 this fall since returning from an extended break, and Heroic Pursuit, an easy winner in her only start, earned near-identical Beyer Speed Figures of 81 and 80 that are faster than the par of 73 for Monday's first-level allowance.

Lady in the Money steps up in class after winning for a $25,000 claiming tag and a $25,000 starter allowance. She merits respect on the basis of her connections - trainer Mike Pino and owner David Ross. Pino is winning at a 30 percent clip (41 for 133) this year with horses owned by Ross.

Heroic Pursuit relished the sloppy track she caught when she outran five rivals on Nov. 14, drawing off by more than 16 lengths. She's a half-sister to the 2-year-old filly Stefani's Surprise, who has won 2 of her first 3 starts.

East to Eden, whose four wins are the most in the field, tries allowance company for the first time. She makes the third start of her form cycle after defeating $25,000 conditioned claimers three weeks ago.

Trinacria will be making her sixth attempt to clear her first allowance condition since July 2008. She comes into this race in peak form, having won back-to-back sprints a month apart in September and October.