Prairie Meadows: Filly may be favored over males in Iowa Stallion Stakes

The restricted $60,000 Iowa Stallion Stakes, a mile and 70-yard race for eligible and nominated 3-year-olds, headlines Saturday evening’s nine-race program at Prairie Meadows.

The field of seven, which is composed of four geldings, two fillies, and the Minnesota-bred colt Sun Country, is headed by the Iowa-bred filly Rudy’s Edge, who has won two straight route races locally, both for trainer Lynn Chleborad. Most recently, Rudy’s Edge used her tactical speed to good effect when holding older female rivals safe by a half-length in a June 21 Iowa-bred allowance.

Sun Country will vie for favoritism with Rudy’s Edge but he must prove his mettle around two turns after coming up short in a recent pair of Canterbury Park sprints. Jockey Israel Ocampo, who has been in stellar form recently, takes the call for trainer Chris Richard.

Chleborad will also lead over the talented Beware the Devil, who appeared to be rounding into top form when disposing of fellow Iowa-bred allowance foes by 1 1/2 lengths going a mile on June 28. Leading rider Alex Birzer has the mount.

Beware the Devil was followed home that day by fourth-place finisher A Little Edgy, who had previously won the six-furlong Iowa Legacy Stakes on June 16. A Little Edgy, conditioned by David McShane, will be ridden by Ken Tohill, who was just five wins shy off 3,000 for his career entering Thursday’s card.

The filly Gray Edge, Diable River, and You Funny Man are also entered.