OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Thirty-six hours after Roman Emperor finished third as the favorite in the Count Fleet Stakes at Aqueduct, trainer Steve Klesaris said he would most likely skip the Whirlaway Stakes and look for a race at a longer distance.

But after looking at his options, Klesaris has decided to alter course and instead will ship Roman Emperor back to New York for Saturday's $100,000 Whirlaway Stakes, hoping for a better trip and result.

"He's definitely looking for more ground. Unfortunately there isn't a lot available," Klesaris said from his base at Fair Hill, Md.

Jockey Luis Quinonez, who is the defending riding champ at Oaklawn Park, has been suspended three racing days by the Oaklawn board of stewards following the disqualification of his mount, Rated Fiesty, from first to third in last weekend's $50,000 Dixie Belle Stakes.

Quinonez was suspended from Friday through Sunday. He has appealed the ruling, which was issued on Wednesday, and was subsequently named to ride horses at Oaklawn for Friday.

Eclipse Award finalist Pyro cemented a berth in the Feb. 9 Risen Star Stakes with another sterling workout Wednesday morning at Fair Grounds. And it is not out of the question that his Wednesday work-mate, Curlin, also could start his 2008 campaign the same day in New Orleans.

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - There were few surprises when entries were drawn Wednesday for Saturday's Grade 1 Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park.

As expected, a field of nine, including three Grade 1 winners, will contest the 1 1/8-mile Donn. The field is led by Daaher, who will make his first start since upsetting Breeders' Cup Sprint champion and Eclipse Award winner Midnight Lute in the Cigar Mile on Nov. 24.

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Contrary to popular opinion, Nick Zito isn't the only New York-based, Kentucky Derby-winning trainer stabled at Gulfstream Park and Palm Meadows this winter with an abundance of top 3-year-old prospects in the barn. Another horseman who fits that description is Barclay Tagg, who has a trio of Derby hopefuls, including Grade 2 winner Tale of Ekati and the improving Elysium Fields.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - It's difficult to walk the barn area at Oaklawn Park without thinking of the Triple Crown. It seems there are reminders around every corner.

David Cross, who trained Sunny's Halo, has a license plate on his sparkling white Mercedes that reads "Derby 83."

And down a few barns from where he parks, the yellow and red saddle towels that 2005 Preakness and Belmont Stakes winner Afleet Alex used - sometimes twice a day - are still in circulation at trainer Tim Ritchey's barn.

Will Rogers Downs near Tulsa, Okla., will introduce four stakes for Thoroughbreds during its 44-date mixed meet that opens Feb. 23. The stakes are the first for Thoroughbreds since the track reopened for racing in 2006.

Will Rogers now operates 250 electronic gaming machines. The terminals came on line late in 2005.

Henry Dominguez dominated last Saturday's $50,000 El Paso Times Handicap at Sunland Park, running one-two-three in the 6 1/2-furlong event with Snake Patrol, Kuba a Noqua, and R Charlies Angel. He has high hopes for all three horses.

"I thought any one of my fillies could win this race. It just came down to a rider's race. We are fortunate to have horses of this caliber."

Dominguez said all three fillies will be pointed to the $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks at 1 1/16 miles on March 16.

Rillito Park, near Tucson, Ariz., will hold the second running of the Pete Selin Memorial Happy Minute on Feb. 24. The race is named in honor of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program alumnus and turf writer who died in January 2006 at 52 after a long bout with leukemia.

The race, for fillies and mares, is slated for 5 1/2 furlongs with a $3,000 purse. Contributions can be made toward the purse, no later than Feb. 10. More information can be obtained by contacting Betty Prewitt, administrative assistant for the RTIP, at 520-621-5660.

Desert Wheat, Willist, Smitty's Sunshine, and Tensas Yucatan, all multiple stakes winners on turf, will test their skills on dirt Saturday night in the $1 million Louisiana Premier Night program at Delta Downs.

Delta, which does not have a turf course, is running six six-figure stakes for Louisiana-breds on Premier Night. There are also four statebred starter races on the card for total purses of $1 million. The rich night has lured Desert Wheat, Willist, Smitty's Sunshine, and Tensas Yucatan in from Fair Grounds.