Dr. Diamonds Prize won the Gowell Stakes here last year and in her most recent start was disqualified to fourth after finishing third, beaten just half a length, in the Raven Run at Keeneland at 76-1. She set the pace in that race at seven furlongs and the cut back to six in the Holiday Inaugural bodes well. The 3-year-old filly has twice tasted disqualification, the other from a win at Presque Isle, but if new rider John McKee can keep her straight she has a chance to earn her second Turfway trophy. Mark Hubley trains.
Like Five Star Fun, Vanishing Grey makes her first start at Turfway, adding it to her list of one-night stands. The 4-year-old Irish-bred filly has yet to race at the same track twice while compiling a 3-3-1 record in 13 starts, including her first seven in England. She was second in her last race, beaten just a neck after chasing Five Star Fun throughout at Keeneland, and posted two bullet works on the all-weather surface at Fairhill Training Center last month. Rodney Prescott has the first-time ride for trainer Michael Trombetta
The field for the Holiday Inaugural from the rail out: Helen Belen (jockey Tom Pompell); Miss Dora (Roberto Morales); Dances With Ashley (Victor Lebron); Waccamaw (Israel Campo); Dr. Diamonds Prize; Lady Primal (Jose Figueroa); Seeking Sheba (Jon Court); Vanishing Grey; Five Star Fun; Leopard Rock (Marcelino Pedroza Jr.); Hyperlink (Perry Ouzts); and Fortune Play (Ramon Vazquez). Eden Star and Groovitude await a chance from the also-eligible list.
The Holiday Inaugural is the ninth race on Saturday’s 10-race card. First post is 5:30 p.m.
