The Stidham stable barrels into the weekend off the back of a productive week of action.
On Wednesday, the Lael Stables owned Clapping got his career off to the best start possible at Presque Isle Downs with a thoroughly professional performance under Pablo Morales.
This expensive breeze-up purchase was unhurried at the start of proceedings, but when moved into contention at the top of the home stretch, he stuck to his guns in determined fashion, prevailing by a neck at the wire.
This exciting son of Not This Time is one to keep an eye on when he reappears.
The same day at Delaware Park, Drink This Cup, owned by Battle Born Racing Stable and William Branch, made an even more dazzling debut, hosing home by nearly 10 lengths.
This Cal-bred daughter of Stay Thirsty was an inexpensive breeze-up purchase, but looked solid gold in running away with this race under Carol Cedeno.
Keep an eye out for Drink This Cup when she reappears, as well!
And now to tomorrow at Belmont At The Big A, where fan-favorite Tufani lines up in the $150,000 Athenia Stakes, over 1 and 1/8th miles on the turf.
The wonderfully game Tufani is on a two-race winning streak. In this race tomorrow, she's drawn 1 of 8. With Ben Curtis in the saddle, they're an 8-1 shot on the Morning Line to make it three-in-a-row.
Saturday
Laurel Park
Golden Cookie - Race 7, Allowance Optional Claiming
Monday
Presque Isle
Candy Corn - Race 2, Claiming