'Stormy' should like turf

MIAMI - Trainer Sandra Slivka will be hoping lightning can strike a second time if Stormy Rosa makes her turf debut, as planned, in Saturday's $100,000 Frances Genter Stakes.

Last month, Slivka put her other top 3-year-old filly, Hopelessly Devoted, on grass for the first time in the Calder Oaks and was rewarded with a 2 3/4-length victory. Stormy Rosa, whom Slivka claimed for $25,000 last winter at Gulfstream Park, does not have quite the back class or the experience of Hopelessly Devoted, but she is at the top of her game after winning her last three starts.

"I'll work her over the turf on Monday, and if she handles it okay she'll definitely start in the Frances Genter," said Slivka, who trains both fillies for the Liberty Stable. "If not we'll just pray for rain."

Stormy Rosa began her current win streak under second-level allowance conditions at Philadelphia Park on Sept. 5 and has gradually worked her way up the allowance ladder. Stormy Rosa's most recent victory came in her two-turn debut at Delaware Park.

"She had a lot of problems when we claimed her, but the owners were patient and allowed me to take my time with this filly," said Slivka. "She's pretty versatile as far as her running styles go. She won her two-other-than from the back of the pack and her last race on the lead, and she should handle the grass. She's got a good-sized foot and she's by Stormy Atlantic out of a Great Above mare, which is breeding that would suggest she'll like turf."

A full field is expected for the Frances Genter, a 7 1/2-furlong race. Trainer Josie Carroll informed the racing office Friday that Shaunavon, who has won 3 of her 5 starts on grass, will ship in for the race from Canada.

As for Hopelessly Devoted, Slivka said she plans to give her some well-deserved rest. Hopelessly Devoted followed her impressive victory in the Calder Oaks with a game decision over Alix M and six other older rivals in last weekend's Elmer Heubeck Distaff Handicap on the main track.

"She's going to get at least a month off, and our goal right now is the Sunshine Millions at Gulfstream at the end of January," she said.

Slivka just recently bedded down her eight-horse stable at Gulfstream Park and has nothing but rave reviews for the new racetrack.

"The track is beautiful," said Slivka. "It's quiet and soft, very kind and giving, but with a little spring to it, too. As long as they keep enough water on it I think it's going to be great."

Toscano ready to ride

Jockey Paul Toscano, who was sidelined 2 1/2 months because of a torn rotator cuff suffered in a riding mishap here during the summer, will return to the saddle Monday.

Toscano has been working horses since last week and said he is anxious to get back to action.