De Francis Field Is Stocked

Four horses who chased Speightstown in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint three weeks ago will be getting together in today’s $300,000 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash at Pimlico in Baltimore.

A Grade I at six furlongs, the De Francis drew a field of 11. Besides Midas Eyes, Champali, Clock Stopper and Abbondanza, all of whom finished off the board at Lone Star Park on Oct. 30, the race also features defending champion A Huevo.

A Huevo, an 8-year-old Cool Joe gelding, has started only nine times but has won six. In last year’s De Francis, he won by 1 3/4 lengths as a 9-1 longshot under jockey Ramon Dominguez, who also has the call this afternoon.

Of the rest, Shake You Down is the only member of the field with multiple victories at Pimlico. Philadelphia Jim, Gators N Bears, Wildcat Heir, True Direction and Lion Tamer complete the field.

Race of the day: Spencer’s Magic will try for his third victory on the grass in today’s fourth at Hollywood Park. The $37,000 allowance at 5 1/2 furlongs is the first leg of a pick six with a carry-over of $82,822. Victor Espinoza will ride the 3-year-old Unusual Heat gelding for trainer Barry Abrams. Other contenders in the race are West War, who has won three of his last four, Sealed With A Kiss and Jungle Prince.

One for the road: Polish Rifle ran very well in his first at Aqueduct when second to favored Primary Suspect on Oct. 30 and can get his third career victory in today’s sixth. Aaron Gryder will ride the 3-year-old Polish Numbers colt for Bill Heiligbrodt and Bob McNair’s Stonerside Stable and trainer Steve Asmussen in the $49,000 allowance at seven furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Who’s Aleyna and Sleepy Jones in the second, Jennifers Dance and Mary Swanson in the third and West War, Jungle Prince and Spencer’s Magic in the fourth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/34. Money: Previous day/meet total: $16.20/$186.40. Total money bet: $216.