Thistledown: Eight in Miss Ohio

NORTH RANDALL, Ohio - Eight Ohio-bred 2-year-old fillies meet over six furlongs in the $40,000 Miss Ohio Stakes here Saturday.

Baba Gonzo is certain to be well-bet. Baba Gonzo has made two career starts, both at Monmouth Park. On Aug. 3, in her last race, she tired to finish fifth in the 5 1/2-furlong Colleen Stakes. Before that, she rallied to finish second in a June 26 maiden race. Her efforts with open horses will make her hard to handle in Ohio-bred company.

Luis A. Gonzalez will ride for trainer Alan Sobol.

Sheikh and Awe, Mistress in Red, and Parthenope all won at first asking in front-running fashion, and they will ensure a lively pace. The survivor of that group should be Mistress in Red, a Lost Code filly trained by Wayne Mogge who will be ridden by Jeffrey Johnston.

The race could set up well for Keepyourwitsaboutu, who was a fast-closing second to eventual stakes winner Spring Cat in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden race in her last start, on Aug. 10. In her other career outing, she was an even fourth.

Trainer M.D. Owens has named Michael Rowland to ride.

All starters will carry 117 pounds.