By Randy Monk
sports.desk@theindependent.com

Race 10 sees 10 horses vying for older-horse sprint supremacy in the $25,000 added Budweiser-Tondi Stakes.

Listed as the 3-1 morning-line favorite is M-L-H Stables' First Class Brass, trained by Kelli Martinez and ridden by husband Armando Martinez. The 6-year-old First Class Brass, last seen as the runner-up in the four furlong Grasmick Handicap behind Tonight Rainbow, is more accustomed to the six furlong distance of the Budweiser-Tondi.

"Four furlongs is not really his cup of tea," Kelli Martinez said. "He likes to have a little more room to make his run. But one thing about him is every time he's on the track he runs his heart out for us."

First Class Brass, a Kentucky-bred son of Dixie Brass, has won over $70,000 in his career for the M-L-H stables.

"I wish we weren't the morning line favorites," Kelli Martinez said. "There's some really good horses in here. We won't be able to sneak up on anyone."

Indeed, the field is full of strong contenders including last year's runner-up Pager from the Gilbert Ecoffey barn.

"I expect him to run well tomorrow," Ecoffey said. "I ran him back too soon last time. He's had more time to get ready for this race; I think he'll run big."

Regular rider Mike Luark once again will be in the irons on Pager.

A horse that's already run big is Larry Staroscik's Bevy's Best, which won the $25,000 Ogataul Stakes earlier this month.

Bevy's Best won the Ogataul in wire-to-wire fashion in a very quick time of 1:12:20. Co-leading rider Yuri Yaranga takes the mount on the 4-year-old Nebraska-bred.

The beaten favorite in the Ogataul, the Jim Cranwell-owned and trained Blumin Attitude, looks for redemption in the Budweiser-Tondi. Hot rider Damon Leeds returns to ride.

"Last time, the ground gave way underneath him on the break," Leeds said. "I think you'll see a better performance from him (Saturday)."

Two horses making their Fonner debuts also look formidable. Dan Coughlin sends out Okie Dozer, a veteran campaigner from the Chicago circuit with Luis Ranilla riding, and Kenneth Kirby's Dynamic Affair, ridden by Larren Delorme, makes his 2008 debut in the race.

Horses not to be overlooked are Temple Rushton's Penny Packer, a big winner his last time out in Allowance competition. Rushton gives Grand Island native Don Frazier a leg up on his horse. Larry Donlin sends out Heso with regular rider Don Herber. Bevys Dazzler, from the David Anderson barn with Mike Ziegler, and two-time meet winner Blake Rattlenroll from the Bill Isburg barn under David Lopez complete the field.

The $10,000 added Baxter Stakes, a six-furlong stake race for 3-year-olds has attracted a field of six.

Ittakestwobaby, winner of the Bachman Stakes, is listed as the 6-5 morning-line favorite. Trainer David Anderson sends out the Bachman champion with Damon Leeds on board.

The Kim Veerhusen-trained Rio Tricky, ridden by Yuri Yaranga, figures to be Ittakestwobaby's main competitor on the front end, possibly setting up late runs from Blumin Won, Tellin On You or two maidens: Untouchable Time and Sports Maniac.

Hoofprints

* It's a big day for simulcast fans as doors to the 4-H Cafe open at 8:30 a.m., broadcasting races from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, including the $6 Million Dollar Dubai Cup.

* Gulfstream Park's premier race the $1million Florida Derby is scheduled to run at 4:45 p.m.

* Fonner Park is also hosting a classic car show during the races on the concourse. The popular group The Rumbles will be in concert Saturday evening after the races.