Remington: Mav Cat eyes three-peat

Mav Cat, a versatile colt who has won his last two races by a combined 10 lengths, should have plenty of speed to stalk Sunday in the $30,000 Clever Trevor Stakes at Remington Park in Oklahoma City. The 6 1/2-furlong race for 2-year-olds drew eight, some of whom are expected to advance to the $75,000 MEC Mile Dec. 1.

It did not take Mav Cat long to figure out the racing game. He finished a sharp second in his first start while dueling on the lead, then used off-the-pace tactics in his second start to win his maiden by more than eight lengths. In his most recent start, Mav Cat rallied through the stretch to win a six-furlong allowance at Louisiana Downs.

"He's very mature when it comes to racing," said Kari Craddock, who trains Mav Cat for Hal Browning and David Faulkner. "He's just a natural."

Craddock, who feels the Clever Trevor's extra sixteenth of a mile will benefit Mav Cat, has given the mount to leading rider Cliff Berry.

Others of note in the Clever Trevor include front-runners Mick, a six-length allowance winner last out, and Kickin Country, who wired maidens by more than eight lengths Oct. 24.

- Believe Im Special ($30) raced close to the lead throughout to win the $40,000 Racino Inaugural at Delta Downs in Vinton, La., on Thursday, opening night of the track's 80-day meet for Thoroughbreds. It was another three lengths back in second to Front Nine.

Believe Im Special pressed favorite Dr. Lewis early, overtook that one and went on to cover five furlongs in 58.71 seconds. Sylvester Carmouche rode the winner for trainer Sam Thomas.