Palanka City repeats in Carousel

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Palanka City rallied into a hotly contested pace to defend her title in the $60,000 Carousel at Oaklawn Park on Saturday. She won by a length over One Smokin' Lady, and it was another 2 1/4 lengths back in third to Double Espresso.

Palanka City ($3.80) stalked the pace set by Southern Yankee and One Smokin' Lady, who were prominent through an opening quarter in 21.51 seconds. Palanka City moved to the leaders past the quarter pole, following a half-mile in 44.92, then was diligent through the stretch to cover six furlongs in 1:09.84.

"She has a lot of heart," said regular rider Chris Emigh, who was aboard for trainer Scott Becker. "She's one of my favorites."

Palanka City has won 2 of 3 starts at the meet and improved to 6 for 10 at Oaklawn. Overall, Palanka City is a winner of 10 of 20 starts and $369,695. She races for William Stiritz.

Rainbow Miss: All Storming Suzy

Storming Suzy was prominent throughout for a 3 3/4-length win over Enticing Girl in the $50,000 Rainbow Miss. The six-furlong race was restricted to 3-year-old fillies bred in Arkansas.

Storming Suzy ($12.60) dueled through an opening quarter in 22.07 seconds, then started to separate herself from the field after a half-mile in 45.71. She was strong through the lane as Enticing Girl, the stronger half of an entry that was favored at 1-5, tried to run her down after getting a wide trip. Storming Suzy covered the distance in 1:11.47. Joel Campbell rode Storming Suzy for trainer Tom Howard.

Storming Suzy won the $50,000 Lady Razorback at Louisiana Downs in her career debut last October. She is by Storm and a Half, the leading general sire last year in Arkansas, and is out of the mare Sable's Able, who won the Rainbow Miss in 1992.

"She had a license to be there," said Howard.

Storming Suzy is owned by her breeder, William R. Ward.

* Attendance ontrack Saturday was 20,366.