Small but tough field in Cluer

Only six older horses entered Saturday's $50,000 Walter R. Cluer Memorial at Turf Paradise, but that doesn't mean competition doesn't run deep. There is a scary new shooter from Canada, two talented Southern California invaders, the Yavapai horse of the meet, and a proven local stakes star in the mile turf stakes named for the track's founder.

Billy Allen, trained by Keith Bennett, may go favored. The 7-year-old Billy Allen is a nine-time winner and is 2 for 3 on this turf course. He won the Turf Paradise Handicap here in February. Billy Allen has since been in California and comes here sharp off a win over optional claimers at Fairplex Park. Glenn Corbett rides.

Test Boy, trained by Robertino Diodoro, invades from Western Canada, where he blossomed, finishing first twice and second three times in his last five starts, which came at Stampede Park and Northlands Park. All five races were stakes. He hasn't run on turf for some time, but has a win and two thirds in three turf tries. Stephan Heiler rides.

Nosir dominated the Yavapai meet this summer, winning three in a row for trainer Jacque Guerra, including two stakes. He carried that form to Albuquerque in his last start Sept. 21, dueling for the lead and drawing off to easily win the New Mexico State Fair Handicap there. He is a question mark on turf, however, having finished third twice in his three grass attempts, all on this course. Vince Guerra rides.

Bingham comes off a smart win in the Pomona Derby at Fairplex for trainer Kevin Lewis. The 3-year-old Bingham has won both his turf starts - an optional claimer here in April and a second-level allowance at Del Mar turf Aug. 7. Daniel Vergara has the mount.

Another Southern Californian, Kalgoorlie, hasn't run since February but is a proven turf competitor. He moves from the Eoin Harty barn to Mike Chambers for this.

Tony the Pony, a turf winner here, rounds out the field for jockey-turned-trainer Sandi Gann.