Paraneck sends out colt to watch

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - A routine end-of-winter program may be brightened considerably Friday when the promising 3-year-old heads a field of five in a $100,000 optional claimer.

Song of the Sword, of course, was not entered to be claimed by Ernie Paragallo's Paraneck Stable, nor were any of his rivals in the mile-and-70-yard race that carries allowance conditions for non-winners of three lifetime.

Though he has run only twice, Song of the Sword has gained a good amount of experience, both times winning by open lengths beneath Richard Migliore.

After a front-running sprint win on a drying-out muddy track on Feb. 4, Song of the Sword returned 16 days later and won a two-turn entry-level allowance from off the pace, surviving a stewards' inquiry for lugging in entering the stretch.

"Richie came back and told me he said, 'Let's Go! And he kind of went everywhere,' " said trainer Jennifer Pedersen, who also has recent Best Turn Stakes winner Redskin Warrior in her barn.

"He's still green, but he is gaining in leaps and bounds. Ernie always thought he was better than Redskin Warrior."

Song of the Sword improved significantly second time out, earning a Beyer of 92. He will be coming back on two weeks' rest on Friday, but Pedersen doesn't foresee a regression. "Believe it or not, it [the last race] wasn't even an 'effort' for him," she said.

Should he clear this hurdle, Song of the Sword's next objective would be the $500,000 Lane's End at Turfway Park on Mar. 20, a race Pedersen won last year with New York Hero.

Song of the Sword's chief threat may be , who has been idle four weeks since being all but eased in the Whirlaway Stakes in the mud. Sinister G's previous start was an impressive entry-level allowance win - forcing a strong pace and drawing off, good for a 91 Beyer. Sinister G will be first-time Lasix, and worked a bullet 35.40 seconds on Feb. 26.

Also in the field are the New York-breds Coined for Success and Delta Ghost and Philadelphia Park shipper Run N Coke.

* Track Superintendent Jerry Porcelli was understandably in a terrific mood as the water trucks made a tour of the main track Wednesday afternoon. Recall that a year ago, the main track was still encased in ice, and its opening was delayed until March 21. "If we don't get too much rain, we may open it for training on Monday," Porcelli said.