Rhone runners dangerous at Remington

Last week at Remington Park, a notable trainer trend developed: Pay attention to horses Bernell Rhone sends out on turf. He saddled Couple Whiles to win her fourth race in her last five starts in a turf allowance last Saturday night, then on Monday took down the richest turf race of the meet when Dontbotherknocking captured the $125,000 DeBartolo Memorial.

Rhone has moved 15 horses to Remington, and has gone 2 for 4 with turf starters this meet.

"This is my first year at Remington in about 10 years," he said. "I'm based out of Minnesota, then I race the winter in Tampa."

Rhone is looking at next-race options for Dontbotherknocking, with one goal later in the meet: the $50,000 Remington Green on Oct. 21. Before then, the horse will be considered for a start in the $125,000 Harrah's Louisiana Downs Breeders' Cup Handicap on Oct. 2.

Couple Whiles, 4, could see stakes action before the end of the Remington meet. Her lone loss in her last five starts came when she was forced to take up after one of her rivals bolted. Couple Whiles defeated a stout field in a two-other-than route race Saturday.

"She's on the improve," said Rhone.

* The gutsy Runs Naked is one of the top contenders in Friday's featured eighth race, an allowance turf sprint for fillies and mares. She will face stakes winner Frilly Fun and will be ridden by Quincy Hamilton.