Song of Navarone looks to deliver a repeat

Last year, owner George Coleman and trainer Henry Dominguez traveled to the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's 2-year-olds in training sale in April to find a prospect for the Riley Allison Futurity at Sunland Park, and came up with the eventual race winner - Disappearing Trick.

This year, they hit the same auction to look for a candidate for the $600,000 WinStar Derby, and Coleman purchased Song of Navarone for $190,000. The colt is expected to improve with distance, but with a 2-for-2 record around one turn he could give Coleman and Dominguez a second win in the 6 1/2-furlong Riley Allison, a $136,499 race for 2-year-olds Sunday at Sunland.

"We were buying a horse to go two turns, and I think that he's going to get better once we do stretch him out," said Dominguez. "But he's in a logical spot Sunday, and I think he'll be real, real effective."

Star of Navarone, a son of Sultry Song and a half-brother to stakes winner Celluloid Hero, won his debut by 8 1/4 lengths at Zia on Oct.o21. One start later, Star of Navarone got up for a nose win after being shut off down the backside in a 6 1/2-furlong trial for the Riley Allison on Dec. 16. He will be making his stakes debut on Sunday, and faces stakes winners Sir Five Star and Folsum, as well as the Grade 3-placed Sentry.

"He's going to get tested for sure," Dominguez said. "But he's got a lot of talent, this horse. He's got a lot of ability and he just does whatever he has to.

"I think that he's probably one of the better horses that I've ever had in my care."

Dominguez, who has won multiple training titles in New Mexico, looks for Star of Navarone to come from off the pace. He has given the mount to Ken Tohill.

Texas Kitty vs. elders in Bold Ego

Also on the Sunday card is the $50,000 Bold Ego. Southern California import Texas Kitty will represent Dominguez in the Bold Ego, a 5 1/2-furlong race for fillies and mares. The 3-year-old Texas Kitty is cutting back from two turns.

"I'm real pleased with her," said Dominguez. "She's going to be facing older mares, but this filly's got a lot of class. If you look at her form, her Beyer Speed Figures will compete with these horses."

Adrian Ramos will ride Texas Kitty.