Two turf stakes in jeopardy

MIAMI - Mother Nature may have the ultimate say in the outcome of Saturday's $150,000 Miami Mile Breeders' Cup Handicap and $75,000 Judy's Red Shoes Stakes at Calder. Both races are scheduled to be run on the grass, but with Hurricane Ivan lurking to the south and rain in the forecast, a change in surface could be likely by post time.

The Miami Mile was postponed from Monday due to Hurricane Frances. As a result of all the uncertainty with the weekend forecast, the Mile has drawn a diverse field, consisting of both grass and main-track specialists.

Stay Forever may be favored despite being the only filly in the Mile lineup, although she will not run if the race comes off the turf. Stay Forever is at the top of her game at the age of 7, winning the Grade 3 Mint Julep Handicap and finishing second to Wonder Again in the Grade 2 New York Handicap in her last two starts.

Super Frolic, on the other hand, has been entered for dirt only and will likely be the public's choice should the Mile switch to the main track. Super Frolic moved to the top of the local handicap division earlier in the meet with a pair of victories, including a 1 1/2-length triumph in the Best of the Rest Stakes.

Tour of the Cat, a multiple graded stakes winner, won last year's Mile over a fast main track. He has won 8 of his 11 races on dirt.

French Charmer won a pair of turf stakes in 2003, including the Flying Pidgeon Handicap here last fall, but has been idle since mid-February. All eight of his career wins have been on grass.

Class of Seventy rallied up the rail to upset the Side Bar Stakes on Aug. 15, outfinishing Paradise Dancer and Unbridels King, both of whom are expected to start rain or shine.

Mother Nature may be all that stands in the way of Shorey Village extending her winning streak in the 1 1/16-mile Judy's Red Shoes. Shorey Village has won each of her last three starts, all on grass, and will be the odds-on favorite if the races goes as scheduled.

Najibes Acres, who has finished second to Adobe Gold in her last three starts, is the one to beat if the Judy's Red Shoes moves to the dirt.