Startin Something attempts second Classen Memorial win

ThistleDown Racino’s 2014 stakes schedule, highlighted by the 80th running of the $300,000 Ohio Derby on July 19, commences Friday with the Dr. T.F. Classen Memorial, a six-furlong test for Ohio-bred fillies and mares.

Attracting nine distaffers, the Classen is headed by local stakes regulars Startin Something and Deniro’s Saint. Startin Something, who cruised to a 2 1/2-length win in last year’s Classen, had an April 19 tune-up for this year’s renewal when she ran third, beaten 5 1/2 lengths, versus open company. Jockey Irwin Rosendo retains the mount for trainer Timothy Hamm on the winner of six races over this surface.

Deniro’s Saint, who does her best running at Beulah Park where she has three resounding stakes wins, will try to prove her mettle at ThistleDown where she is a scant 1 for 5. However, Deniro’s Saint, trained by Josh Faulkner for owner-breeder Joe Faulkner, has a sharp local work tab that includes a half-mile bullet move from the gate in 46.20 seconds on April 13. The 4-year-old goes well fresh, and the Classen is her 2014 debut.

Also appearing for the first time this season, I’m Kiddin, a 5-year-old Robert Fiesman trainee, aims to control the Classen pace under jockey Wade Rini. Her gradually improving work tab here suggests readiness. Deep closer Monetary Reward, also conditioned by Hamm and ridden by the in-form Hector Rosario, can be relied on to pick up several of her rivals in the stretch. She has three wins at ThistleDown and has finished first, second, or third in 7 of 8 starts at the track.

Amongst the others, Isadella ships up from her Beulah base along with regular rider Megan Fadlovich, and the Ivan Vazquez-trained mare is yet another horse training forwardly for her 2014 debut.

Turf specialist Derby Day Storm, the 3-year-old Long Blonde Angel, Players Lil Girl, and Red Carpet Queen round out the Classen field.