Stallion Futurity looks wide open

The $60,000 Iowa Stallion Futurity at Prairie Meadows drew a mostly untested field of 10. Seven geldings, two fillies, and one colt will go six furlongs in the race open to those juveniles nominated as yearlings who have remained eligible.

In the group, there are only four winners: Deans Dancer, Hot Frank Hank, Syd Licious, and Showdown Darlin. Deans Dancer, who won a one-mile maiden special weight event here on July 10 by six lengths, is the only runner with a victory against open company.

Hot Frank Hank, a Lynn Chleborad homebred and the likely favorite, debuted in a tough maiden sprint June 2 when third behind the highly regarded Gamblin Jerry and the now stakes-placed Cainam. The speedy Hot Frank Hank made amends July 31 when cruising five furlongs in 58.62 seconds to defeat fellow Iowa-breds by 2 1/4 lengths.

Syd Licious, who won his maiden here July 17 by 3 1/4 lengths over the five-furlong trip, should apply pace pressure for trainer David McShane. Showdown Darlin, one of two fillies who will line up, along with the maiden Don't Tell Amy, has improved in each of her races. Showdown Darlin handled eight Iowa-bred fillies by a half-length in a five-furlong sprint on July 17.

Of the six competing maidens, the lone shipper is the Kentucky invader Mamoose, a Brian White trainee. On July 18, he finished fifth of 11 in a maiden special weight event at Ellis Park, beaten 11 3/4 lengths. Mamoose, the only Kentucky-bred in the field, is a gelded son of Repriced and has attracted the services of leading rider Terry Thompson.