(from Calder report)
Lawrence Goichman’s homebred 3-year-old filly J’ray, coming off a closing second-place finish at Churchill Downs, appears to be rounding into top form for Saturday’s $100,000 Frances A. Genter (gr. IIIT) at Calder Race Course.
Sixteen 3-year-old fillies were entered for the Genter, which is contested over 7 1/2 furlongs on the Calder lawn, although 12 can start.
J’Ray made a big impression at Calder on New Year’s Day to begin 2006 with a win in the Tropical Park Oaks over the course, remaining undefeated in four starts on the grass for trainer Todd Pletcher. The New York-bred chestnut returns as the probable favorite with jockey John R. Velazquez breaking from the rail.
Assistant trainer Anthony Sciametta Jr. will saddle J’ray while Pletcher serves a lengthy suspension.
After a third-place finish as the 6-to-5 favorite in the Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland in April, J’ray was sidelined for six months until returning at Keeneland to finish sixth in the Valley View Stakes (gr. IIIT) in October, although beaten only 2 1⁄4 lengths by the winner. She appeared to be back in top form last out when second by a neck after a big rally through the stretch of the Mrs. Revere Stakes (gr. IIT) at Churchill on Nov. 18.
Jacks or Better Farm’s Florida homebred Bayou’s Lassie poses a serious threat over her home turf with regular rider Elvis Trujillo aboard for trainer Stanley Gold. The daughter of Outflankerwon her first three starts on the Calder turf after capturing two of three sprinting on the main track. Last out, Bayou’s Lassie finished a game second against older fillies and mares in the My Charmer Handicap (gr. IIIT) at Calder on Dec. 2, beaten only a length by Amorama.
Click link below to view Official Entries for Frances A. Genter Stakes from Equibase Company:
