Storm's Darling razor sharp

Storm's Darling showed a new dimension in her last start by coming from off the pace, and her newfound versatility only adds to her huge appeal Friday night in the $100,000 Goddess Breeders' Cup at Delta Downs.

There appears to be a good amount of speed in the 1 1/16-mile Goddess, which is for fillies and mares, and Storm's Darling could get a nice stalking trip from her outside post. She will break from post 4 in the field of five, and will go favored after having won 4 of her last 5 starts, including the $75,000 Chou Croute Handicap at Fair Grounds Feb. 20.

In that 1 1/16-mile race, Storm's Darling stalked the pace and drew out to a 6 1/4-length win.

"She laid off of them in the Chou Croute, and we were happy to see that," said Bobby Barnett, who trains Storm's Darling for Arthur Vogel. "All of her other races she had run on or near the lead, so that's always a plus.

"She's a very happy horse right now. She had a fabulous work a few days ago."

Storm's Darling worked five furlongs in 58 seconds at Fair Grounds on March 25, and the move was the fastest of 11 at the distance. She started her current streak on Nov. 12, when she romped by 5 1/4 lengths in an optional claiming race at Churchill Downs.

Storm's Darling also won an allowance at Churchill Downs on Nov. 24. From there she shipped to Fair Grounds for the winter, and rolled to an 11 1/2-length win in an optional claimer on Jan. 7, earning a career-best Beyer Figure of 106.

One start later, she finished fourth in the $60,000 Truly Bound at Fair Grounds on Jan. 22.

"She charged the gates that day," said Barnett. "She was feeling so good. You see that happen time and time again. A horse hits the gate and gets out and it takes the race out of them. We schooled her in the gate after that and it paid off in the Chou Croute."

Eddie Martin Jr., who has been aboard for Storm's Darling's last five wins, has the mount in the Goddess.

The field is completed by Legs O'Neal, Bridlestone, Where Is My Daddy, and Miss Confusion.