River Downs: Instant replay

If it seems that Sunday's $50,000 Vivacious Handicap at River Downs in Cincinnati looks a lot like the Ms. Southern Ohio Stakes contested two weeks ago, it does.

The conditions for the Vivacious are the same as for the Ms. Southern Ohio - Ohio-bred fillies and mares running 1 1/16 miles on turf - and the top three finishers from the Ms. Southern Ohio are the main contenders in the Vivacious.

Doubly Fun won her third consecutive Ms. Southern Ohio by four lengths. Despite her prior victories in the stakes and her strong record on the grass, bettors let her go off as the 2-1 second choice behind Lady Cherie, who is much better on dirt. Doubly Fun's supporters will be lucky to get even-money on Sunday, especially if the Vivacious remains on the turf.

Cabot Cove, runner-up in the Ms. Southern Ohio, won the Vivacious two years ago over Doubly Fun. Even at the advanced age of 9, Cabot Cove continues to perform well at this level and may capitalize if Doubly Fun happens to have an off day.

Lady Cherie is the defending Vivacious champion, but last year's race was rained off the turf and she won easily by four lengths over her preferred surface. Though she has won a turf stakes, Lady Cherie has yet to seriously threaten Doubly Fun or Cabot Cove on the turf.

In addition to Lady Cherie, Ashwood C C and Prizes would be strong contenders if the Vivacious were switched to the main track.

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