Remington: Repeat bid for Medium Rare

Medium Rare will have to get more distance Saturday night in order to defend his title in the $35,000 Autumn Classic at Remington Park. The statebred stakes has been lengthened from six furlongs to seven this year, and the new distance has helped the race draw a diverse mix of sprinters and route horses, including George Taylor, winner of the $75,000 Oklahoma Classics Day Classic, and Dusty Spike, winner of the $100,000 Omaha Handicap.

Medium Rare is considered a six-furlong specialist, but he appears to be the controlling speed in the Autumn Classic and would be tough to reel in should he get clear from his rail post. He also loves the main track at Remington, where he is 12 for 21.

Roger Engel, who trains Medium Rare for J D R Stables, has given the mount to leading rider Cliff Berry.

Others of note in the race include Notable Okie, winner of the $35,000 E.L. Gaylord Memorial; past Oklahoma Classic winner Zee Oh Six, who could challenge for the lead after working consecutive bullets at Remington; and Oklahoma Classics Day Classic runner-up Expensive Risk.