Playfair To Feature Prestigious Meets

Two of the most valuable and prestigious races of the Spokane horse racing season will be decided this weekend when Playfair moves into the second half of its 50-day, late-summer and fall meet.

The handicap championship may be on the line Saturday when older horses meet in the 50th anniversary running of the $15,000 added Playfair Mile. The season’s top event for older horses has attracted 20 nominees, including more than half a dozen previous stakes-winners. Inlovewiththesport, top 3-year-old this summer in Montana, is expected to rule as a heavy favorite Sunday in the All West Derby.

Post time Saturday and Sunday will be 1:30 p.m. Racing Friday and Monday will be at 3 p.m.

Jackpot grows

The twin trifecta is once again growing toward record proportions.

Monday, for the sixth consecutive race day, there were no winners, allowing the carryover pool to swell to $71,395.

Eads opens lead

At the halfway point of the season, Jason Eads is widening his advantage in the race for the riding title. Helped by back-to-back triples Saturday and Sunday, Eads has boosted his total to 53 victories.

Runner-up Lane Rennaker has won 29 races, two more than Marty Wentz and Darrell Brinkerhoff.

Former champion trainer Bruce Wagar added two victories last week for a total of 13. Former Playfair riding champ Todd Stephens and Ray Tracy Jr. remain in contention with 10 triumphs apiece.

, DataTimes