Timonium: 'Chessie' seeks repeat

Captain Chessie, who led from start to finish in last year's Taking Risks Stakes but hasn't won in four widely spaced races since then, tries to recapture his best form when he returns to Timonium for the Taking Risks Stakes, the closing-day feature.

Unlike last year, when the race was a 1 1/16-mile route, Monday's $50,000 Taking Risks will be contested at 6 1/2 furlongs.

The shorter distance should work in Captain Chessie's favor. He has held a clear lead at the eighth pole of his last three starts, all at seven furlongs, so theoretically he would have won all three had the distance been 6 1/2 furlongs.

Dale's Prospect is the likely favorite. Dale's Prospect, a 4-year-old from the barn of Dale Capuano, has been no worse than second in six of his eight starts this season.