Rapper S S to try mile at Zia

Trainer Henry Dominguez is looking forward to sending impressive 2-year-old maiden winner Rapper S S two turns for the first time Friday in the $60,000 Eddy County at one mile at Zia Park.

"That's what we've wanted to do with him all along," said Dominguez, who trains Rapper S S for Lathrop Hoffman. "You don't ever know until you try them, but he seems like he should take to the routing pretty good.

"He's by Monarchos, so we're thinking he can go long, anyway. He sure does act like he will."

Rapper S S drew out to a six-length maiden win in his last start, which came in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight at Zia on Oct. 30. It was the second race of his career following a runner-up finish in his debut, and he earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 80.

"He's a big colt that just seems like he's improving all the time," said Dominguez, who leads the trainer standings at Zia.

Joe A. Martinez has the mount on Rapper S S, who has natural speed and figures to be prominent from post 5. One of his chief rivals is Jeri Harper, who invades from Remington Park, where he closed from far back to finish third to Golden Yank in the $100,000 MEC Mile. Following that race, Golden Yank went on to win the $150,000 Jean Lafitte at Delta Downs.

Beverly Burress will ride Jeri Harper, who in October won the $45,000 Razorback Futurity for Arkansas-breds at Louisiana Downs.