Outside posts compromise favorites in Southern Park Stakes

Nikki My Darling and Ali Blue, who finished one-two in an allowance sprint earlier this month, arguably are the two best Ohio-bred 3-year-old fillies to have raced at Mahoning Valley Race Course this season. But if one of them is to prevail in the $75,000 Southern Park Stakes on Saturday, she will have to be tons the best in a crowded lineup for the first stakes of the season in Ohio.

Nikki My Darling, who was so highly regarded by her connections that they took a shot in last fall’s Grade 1 Chandelier Stakes at Santa Anita, drew the outside post in a field of 13 Ohio-bred 3-year-old fillies. Ali Blue, who held the lead until deep stretch when making her first start since October earlier this month, didn’t fare much better, drawing post 11.

Over the past two seasons at Mahoning Valley, horses going six furlongs from posts 11 and 12 (nobody started from post 13) are a combined 9 for 176 (5 percent). So, it might be smart to look elsewhere for the Southern Park winner.

Two options are Signora Shipman, who crushed seven rivals in winning her career debut by 11 1/2 lengths on March 7, and Cali Dream, who was just a nose behind Ali Blue and drew much better in post 3 for the rematch.

Southern Park, Race 7

KEY CONTENDERS

Nikki My Darling, by Creative Cause

Last 3 Beyers: 65-66-41

◗ She looked good winning her first start since October by 2 3/4 lengths earlier this month. But are you willing to take an extremely short price on a horse breaking from post 13?

Ali Blue, by Bluegrass Cat

Last 3 Beyers: 58-42-51

◗ Should be tighter following a five-furlong bullet move at Tampa Bay Downs and a good effort in her season debut.

◗ She has a bad post but a superior rider in Jaime Rodriguez.

Signora Shipman, by Midshipman

Beyer: 59

◗ Dangerous if she moves forward at all in her second career start.

◗ Trainer’s lone maiden winner to repeat sprinting while back in fewer than 30 days was True Cinder, who won the Glacial Princess locally in December.

Cali Dream, by Cowboy Cal

Last 3 Beyers: 58-35-58

◗ Good effort last time to finish third behind Nikki My Darling and Ali Blue at 12-1 after failing at odds of 2-5 and 3-5 earlier in the meet.

Conumdrum Red, by Trappe Shot

Beyer: 42

◗ Went to the sidelines after winning her career debut last July at Thistledown, but trainer Doug Cowans is dangerous when he brings horses here.

My Ticket Home, by Shackleford

Last 3 Beyers: 50-33-68

◗ Her lone win came in a route, but she ships in from Florida for Rusty Arnold and fits if she can duplicate the performance she gave when sprinting at Churchill Downs in November.