Two-year-olds center stage

Following Memorial Day, the racing focus in this region turns to 2-year-old racing. The first significant action for juveniles began last week, with the ultimate goal being the rich series of stakes that begins with the two divisions of the D.S. "Shine" Young Futurity on July 4.

In a pair of maiden special events last Wednesday, there were few surprises as favorites Time N Expense and Rebel Queen won their respective races.

Time N Expense, a Time Bandit filly out of the Green Dancer mare Alpine Dancer, was making her career debut for trainer Doris Hebert. Ridden by Steve Bourque, she displayed outstanding quickness by opening up six lengths on the field early. She held on to win by three-quarters of a length in 54.17 seconds for 4 1/2 furlongs.

Rebel Queen was making her second start after a near miss on May 8. The daughter of K One King is trained by Wiley Shirey. She opened up daylight out of the gate before prevailing by a half-length over longshot Scarlet Tribute. She was timed in 53.91, a bit quicker than her counterpart.

* Ten colts and geldings held their coming-out party in last Thursday's third race, and once again the public was spot on. False Start, the 7-5 favorite trained by Jerry Delhomme and owned by Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme's Set-Hut Stable, turned in a sharp four-wide rally to be clear by almost two lengths. Feelthelightening, the 5-2 second choice, finished a solid second for trainer Troy Young. The final time for the 4 1/2 furlongs was 53.07.