Calder: Sookie Stackhouse Runs Friday

Kentucky and Ohio-based trainer Joe Woodard sent a small division of runners to Calder Casino & Race Course for the first time this summer owned by Louisville car dealer Billy Hays and his family, and they have more than held their own, highlighted by the accomplishments of 3-year-old filly Sookie Stackhouse.

A roan/gray daughter of Red Bullet, Sookie Stackhouse was a $16,000 claim here on Aug. 26 and has won twice with a second and a fourth since then, and will be the horse to beat in Friday’s starter/allowance feature with Juan Leyva aboard for the first time in the six-furlong test. ‘Sookie’ rallied from last of five to win an optional/allowance going away last out on Oct. 29.

Sookie Stackhouse faces seven rival fillies and mares, including Cairoli Racing’s 3-year-old Devilish Lady, a five-time stakes winner for trainer Antonio Sano since being claimed for $16,000 here last September and will be ridden Friday by jockey Joe Bravo, recently arrived for the season from Monmouth Park.

A daughter of Sweetsouthernsaint, Devilish Lady scored her biggest victory in the $150,000 Azalea Stakes (G3) on Summit of Speed day on July 9 this summer, but will need to do better than her fourth-place effort last out behind Sookie Stackhouse.

Completing the field for Friday’s feature are Wayne DeCosta’s Truly Classy, Karla Wolfson’s Wyatt’s Women, Juvenal DeSantiago Hernandez’ La Torera, Farnsworth Stable’s Peaceful Town, Platinum Esquestian’s Bessie M and Charles Lo’s Golden Phoenix.