Speedy bunch in Fairfield

VALLEJO, Calif. - A field of fillies loaded for speed is set for Saturday's $40,000-added Fairfield Stakes at six furlongs at the Solano County Fair.

The speedsters, Pali Princess, Summer Lite, Erica's Smile, and Cinnful Bride (who makes her first start since winning the Bam's Penny last October at Bay Meadows), are joined by Benefit Party and Clickety Cat.

Local trainers Bill Morey, his son Bill, and John Anderson all considered the race carefully. Both Moreys decided to run; Anderson decided to pass the race.

"They're both decent fillies," said Morey Jr. about Benefit Party, whom he trains, and Clickety Cat, who is trained by his father.

"We're both probably a little over our heads, but there are not a lot of spots for 3-year-old fillies. My thinking is to take one shot starting against 3-year-old fillies before facing races for 3 and up."

The speed in the race could set things up for the two Morey-trained fillies. Benefit Party is a stalker, while Clickety Cat is more a closer.

Both graduated in $32,000 claiming races, and both won $32,000 starter allowance races.

"The two times I've run [Benefit Party], she's had an impressive turn of foot at the three-furlong mark," Morey said.

"My dad's horse is a little more of a closer. She's honest and a real runner down the lane."

Morey claimed Benefit Party for $20,000 last Aug. 1 at Santa Rosa. She is 2 for 2 for him, winning her maiden last September at Bay Meadows, then turning in a strong effort in her comeback on June 6 at Bay Meadows.

Clickety Cat won her first two starts this spring at Bay Meadows, then missed by a nose to Summer Lite on June 6 at Bay Meadows in her last start.

While the Moreys were deciding to run, Anderson agonized over his decision before finally deciding not to run with Gyrene.

Gyrene was stakes placed as a 2-year-old but didn't win her maiden race until her last start on July 6 at Pleasanton. Anderson wants Gyrene to go longer and she is already stakes placed, and these facts entered into his decision.

"I made a mistake when I ran her back at Bay Meadows," he said of a fifth-place finish on June 16 after she finished second on June 2.

"I think she needs an extra week, and there are two races for her at Santa Rosa, one at a flat mile. If she ran here and didn't run well, that would prevent her from running for three or four weeks."

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