Thistledown: Baba Gonzo formidable

NORTH RANDALL, Ohio - Baba Gonzo should be the odd-on choice against 11 other Ohio-bred fillies and mares in the 12th running of the $40,000 Angenora Stakes at Thistledown.

Baba Gonzo, a 3-year-old bay homebred daughter of Elusive Quality, prepped for this race with a 9 1/2-length win going 5 1/2 furlongs here April 9. She beat older rivals that day and should have little difficulty handling the older females she faces in Saturday's six-furlong race.

Baba Gonzo won the six-furlong Miss Ohio Stakes here last August, then shipped to Monmouth Park, where she finished second in the six-furlong Forward Gal. Trainer Alan Sobol sent her to Aqueduct and she set the pace in the Grade 3, one-mile Tempted Stakes before tiring.

This year, she has finished second and a third in allowance sprints at Gulfstream Park and was unplaced after setting the pace in the six-furlong Old Hat.

Baba Gonzo has the speed to once again set the pace, and if she retains her recent form she will wire this field. Under the allowance conditions of the race, she will carry 114 pounds and will be ridden by Luis J. Martinez Jr.

The main opposition should come from Mercer's Launch and Gabrieles Princess. Both are quick 5-year-old mares who are capable of giving Baba Gonzo a battle for the early lead.