Thistledown: Repeat attempt in Classen Memorial

Money Card will attempt to win the $55,000 Dr. T.F. Classen Memorial Stakes at Thistledown for the second straight year. She will match strides over six furlongs with nine other Ohio-bred fillies and mares.

Money Card, owned by the Drake Racing Stable and trained by Shirley Girten-Drake, was an even third here in her last start, the six-furlong Angenora Stakes. This winter she had second- and third-place finishes at Tampa Bay Downs.

"She is doing awesome," said Girten-Drake. "This is the race I plan for and point for. I know my horse likes Thistledown. She is really good here."

Money Card will be ridden by her regular rider, Jane Magrell.

Sarasponda will be making her first start this year in the Classen Memorial. She beat Money Card by a neck in her last start, the Bobby Bricker at Beulah Park last November.

The Bobby Bricker was run over 1 1/16 miles, and the shorter distance of this race would appear to give Money Card the advantage.

"Beating Money Card will be difficult," said trainer Joe Shuman. "My filly needs to perform. She is training very well, perhaps the best in her career."

C.P. Pilares, who rode her all last year, will be in the irons.