Statebred showcase on final weekend

ANDERSON, Ind. - Juvenile statebreds are the center of attention as Hoosier Park heads into the final weekend of its 70-day season.

The fillies are in the spotlight Friday night with the $30,000 Terre Haute Stakes at one mile, going as the third on an 11-race card. The ninth is the fillies division of the $40,000 Indiana Stallion Stakes at six furlongs, which is for statebreds sired by registered Indiana stallions.

The Stallion Stakes brings together the offspring of Presidential Order, Inherent Kal, Crown, Ambassador, Jacquelyn's Groom, and Daufuskie Pirate, all of whom stand in Indiana. The less-restrictive Terre Haute, being run for the first time, includes daughters of more familiar stallions, such as Trempolino, Lost Code, and Skip Trial.

The Stallion Stakes has drawn Amanda's Crown, who rallied to post a $24.40 upset in the Miss Indiana Stakes on Nov. 16. A daughter of Crown Ambassador, Amanda's Crown has won two of her six career starts and should be heavily favored in this spot with Mike Morgan set to ride.

Connies Travels, a daughter of Foxhound, is the morning-line favorite for the Terre Haute. She rallied to be second behind Amanda's Crown in the Miss Indiana and will try two turns for the first time.

Holddedough, by Skip Trial, also merits strong consideration in the field of 10. Trained by Barbara McBride, Holddedough won her maiden race with a front-running performance going a mile on Nov. 4. Lester Knight has the return mount.

Trainer Mazie Brown sends out Thesullivanfive, a winner of two of eight career starts, for her first try around two turns. A daughter of First and Only (by Avatar) Thesullivanfive was a nonthreatening fifth in the Miss Indiana. She has shown an ability rate off the pace. Mike Morgan will ride.