Stormy Express cutting back

Stormy Express cuts back from a mile to six furlongs for the $50,000 Czaria for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. She won three straight stakes between last September and this February, all sprinting.

Stormy Express's sprint streak began in the $35,000 Fair Queen, a 6o1/2-furlong race at Albuquerque that she won by more than seven lengths last September. She returned one start later to take that track's $35,000 La Fiesta, a 5 1/2-furlong race run Oct. 25.

Stormy Express did not see action again until February, but returned ready and won the $50,000 El Diario at 6 1/2 furlongs at Sunland Park. She then tried two turns, and pushed the pace before finishing sixth to Southern California shipper Freedom Star in the $103,000 Harry Henson. The one-mile race at Sunland came in her last start March 28.

Stormy Express figures to be prominent from her rail post Saturday. Ken Tohill has the mount for trainer Jimmie Claridge.

The chief threat could be Miss Dolce, who rolled to an eight-length win in a first-level allowance at Sunland on March 23. She covered six furlongs in a quick 1:09.40, and the Beyer Speed Figure of 92 that she earned is the best last-race number in the Czaria. Pat Valenzuela has the mount for trainer Henry Dominguez.

The Czaria drew eight horses, including the Chip Woolley-trained Snowdrop.