Young challengers await Easter Indy in Downthedustyroad

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Easter Indy will face a pair of up-and-coming fillies in Dutch Parrot and I Be Jeannie B on Friday, when she seeks to win the $100,000 Downthedustyroad for the second year in a row at Oaklawn Park.

“I’m a little concerned about those young 3-year-olds,” said Bill Martin, who trains Easter Indy.

The Downthedustyroad is a six-furlong race for fillies and mares bred in Arkansas. It drew 11.

Downthedustyroad, Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

Easter Indy, by A.P. Million

Last 3 Beyers: 53-53-40

◗ She won the allowance prep for the Downthedustyroad by a neck over Dutch Parrot. The start was the second of the year for Easter Indy, who finished third in another allowance Jan. 20 at Oaklawn.

“From the first race that I ran her into the last race, I’ve seen a different horse,” Martin said. “She started out real nervous, washed out, and we did a lot of paddocking with her, working on her mentally, and she won that last race. She didn’t wash out, ran a big race.”

◗ Easter Indy will have another factor in her favor Friday from post 11.

“I do like the outside hole,” Martin said. “She has a tendency of moving around a lot when in the gate. She’ll get in and go.”

◗ Walter De La Cruz has the mount for Martin, who co-owns Easter Indy with John Thiel and Libbie Thiel.

“I feel like her best race is if she’s laying close,” Martin said. “The last race or two, she broke bad, came running through horses. I think the post will help her.”

Dutch Parrot, by Eskendereya

Last 3 Beyers: 52-53-48

◗ She’s having a strong meet. She won her maiden over older rivals Jan. 15. Dutch Parrot then was second to the 5-year-old Easter Indy in the allowance prep for the Downthedustyroad.

“She’s still a lightly raced filly, a 3-year-old against older horses, but she has trained very well,” said Will Van Meter, who conditions Dutch Parrot. “Since we got her last summer, we thought she was one of our nicest prospects for Shortleaf [Stable]. We just love her. She’s cloaked in class, has a lot of confidence.”

◗ Joe Rocco Jr. has the mount from post 4.

I Be Jeannie B, by Street Hero

Last 3 Beyers: 82-57-33

◗ She set a quick pace and was edged last out when second in an optional $75,000 claiming sprint against open company Feb. 10 at Oaklawn. I Be Jeannie B is a candidate to wire the field from her rail post.

“She’s got some natural speed,” said trainer Al Cates, who has given the mount to Ramon Vazquez.