The fifth and last preliminary leg of the Kindergarten Classic Series, a Grand Circuit event, will be raced on the evening of Friday, October 18 at Vernon Downs.
Two divisions each of fillies and colts will race for $10,000 and, perhaps more importantly, valuable points toward the $200,000 (Est.) final for each next Friday.
In with a puncher's chance, needing a win to advance, is the speedy Odds On Amethyst (Race 4) who was second in his only series appearance back in August. An impressive 1:54.2 winner in the Bluegrass at the Red Mile, he lost all chance in his Breeders Crown elimination with an early break, so ‘Plan B’ has been instituted by the connections. Dan Daley drives this well bred Muscle Hill gelding in a reunion of sorts, as Daley trained him for Robin Schadt and owner Odds On Racing for a spell not long ago.
Recent world record setter and double Red Mile Grand Circuit winner Outburst heads up the other colt division (Race 6) for owner/trainer Noel Daley. The Explosive Matter gelding won an exciting Bluegrass split in Lexington in 1:53.1 for the record. He has won five of eight and over $130,000 this season for Daley and partners Adam Victor & Son and Mirva Bogucki.
Lightning Force, Myolinist, Hillustrious and Chocolate Day are also in town to pursue a final berth. They currently occupy positions 10-14 in the standings, just beyond the nine accepted.
On the filly side, Yoga (Muscles Yankee) sits atop the standings having won all three of her Kindergarten starts and will defend her throne in the evening's second race. Hall of Famer Jimmy Takter trains and drives her for Christina Takter and John and Jim Fielding from Post 2.
Cee Bee Yes looks like the logical favourite in division two (Race 11) based on her consistent form which has resulted in $168,785 in seasonal earnings for Jason and Douglas Allen. She is conditioned by Julie Miller and husband Andy will be in for the drive.
Red Hot Spicy, Bikini So Teeny and Fashion Huntress are currently just outside the limit and will be looking to secure a spot in the final with a high placing on Friday.
First-race post time on Friday is 6:45 p.m.
(With files from Vernon)