Thistledown: Double Diva looks tough

Nine accredited Ohio-bred 2-year-old fillies will race six furlongs in the $40,000 Emerald Necklace Stakes at Thistledown.

Double Diva figures to be favored after winning a maiden race in her last start on Aug. 11. She rallied from just off the pace to gain a neck decision going 5 1/2-furlongs against statebreds. Prior to that she was second in a maiden race and she was unplaced in her career debut.

Double Diva's running style suggests that the extra half-furlong of the Emerald Necklace should enhance her chances.

Catty Clan is a quick Lived It Up filly who appears capable of wiring this group. She was second, beaten a nose, in her last after setting the pace going 5 1/2 furlongs, and fourth in her other two career starts, in which she also set the pace.

Tommeyeyesgold was a well-beaten fifth in the six- furlong Miss Ohio Stakes on Aug. 26 and before that third in the in the Tah Dah stakes at River Downs going 5 1/2 furlongs. She stumbled badly in her career debut, unseating her rider, then came back to win a maiden race in impressive fashion by 5 1/2 lengths going five furlongs.