Stakes filly starts year in allowance

CALGARY, Alberta - Trainer Bruce Phelan has taken his time with Dawn of Fame, and his patience may pay off Friday evening in the featured eighth race.

Phelan did not even nominate Dawn of Fame, 3, to last Sunday's Mount Royal, which was captured easily by the invading Calendar Girl, indicating he had his eyes on this six-furlong allowance for fillies and mares which have never won three races.

The condition suits Dawn of Fame perfectly. She won a maiden race by 11 lengths and the Freedom of the City Stakes last fall at Northlands Park. The two victories were sandwiched around a second to Miss Sassy Sue in the Bird of Pay stakes.

Dawn of Fame ventured to Hastings in late October for the Fantasy but went unplaced, and Phelan said the trip and the race were hard on her and set back her preparations this spring.

Her works have been steady but slow this spring for Phelan, who rarely asks for much speed from his horses in the mornings. Dawn of Fame may be vulnerable in her debut but she is carefully spotted and stands out on her class.

Regal Magi is expected to set the early fractions Friday and drew the outside post in the field of eight with Perry Winters aboard. Dawn of Fame drew post 6 with Jake Barton up.

Dixietwostepper failed to fire at 2-5 in a similar spot two weeks ago and will be out to atone from post 2 with Quincy Welch retaining the mount.

Rickey Walcott, the leader in the rider's standings, has the call on Louisiana invader Repose, who drew post 3.