Prairie Meadows: 'Liz' off layoff

Chicago invader Liz on Polk Street goes after her first stakes score when she faces eight rivals, including an entry, in the $40,000 Iowa State Fair Stakes at Prairie Meadows.

Liz on Polk Street is one of five who look to have a big chance of taking down the top prize in the six-furlong State Fair.

Liz on Polk Street enters the State Fair off a two-month layoff for trainer Wayne Catalano, who wins with 35 percent of his starters returning from similar layoffs.

In her most recent start, Liz on Polk Street was never a factor while making her turf debut in an optional claiming event at Arlington, finishing seventh, beaten 8 3/4 lengths. On April 26, Liz on Polk Street rallied for a 3 3/4-length score over allowance company at Hawthorne going 6 1/2 furlongs, earning a 98 Beyer Speed Figure, tops among her Saturday rivals. That race also followed a two-month layoff, proving Liz on Polk Street can fire off an extended break.

Overall, Liz on Polk Street is 5-1-3 from 12 starts for her owner-breeder, Frank Calabrese. Tim Thornton has been named to ride.

Another Chicago invader, Silver Crown, may go favored in the State Fair. Although winless in six starts this year, Silver Crown has finished third in each of her last two starts - a four-other-than allowance contest at a mile at Arlington and the $100,000 Saylorville Stakes at six furlongs here July 4.

Silver Crown is one of many who figure to go for the early lead in the State Fair and may get caught in an early pace duel under jockey E.T. Baird, who has a return call.