Saturday stakes recaps (1/28/06)

* After a zigzag run down the Laurel Park stretch, jockey Erick Rodriguez got Promenade Girl ($2.80) to straighten out and run down the pacesetting Princess Pelona to win the $85,000 Nellie Morse Stakes by 1 3/4 lengths.

* R Loyal Man ($6.80) stamped himself as one of the early favorites for the Grade 3, $250,000 Tampa Bay Derby on March 18 when he drew off through the stretch to post a 3 3/4-length victory in the $75,000 Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.

* Wildcat Bettie B ($6.80) edged Rich Fantasy by a neck to win the $50,000 Dixie Belle Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Oaklawn Park.

* Yucatan ($11.60) shook free from Eyeforglory after dueling much of the way, then barely withstood a late rush by favored Saintly Look to post a neck victory in the $50,000 Forego Stakes at Turfway Park.

* Bang ($5.40), the Sunland Park track-record holder for 1,000 yards and 6 1/2 furlongs, used his brilliant speed to take command early and maintain a clear lead to the wire to take the $50,000 Budweiser Handicap.

* Slick City Nites ($8.40) raced close throughout and scored a 2 1/4-length win over Herman Muttster in the $30,000 Bucharest for 3-year-olds at Sam Houston Race Park.