Top mare aims for Classic

Kikikatie, who handed eventual Horse of the Year Rainbow Blue her only defeat in 2004 when she won the Mistletoe Shalee at the Meadowlands, is ready and raring to go, according to trainer Joe Seekman. Seekman told The Horseman Friday morning from his farm in western Michigan that after two qualifiers at Balmoral Park, he plans on entering the 4-year-old daughter of Real Artist next weekend at that Chicago track for her 2005 pari-mutuel debut.



A winner of more than $1.2 million for owners Lee and Linda DeVisser and the 2003 Two-Year-Old Filly Pacer of the Year, Kikikatie finished second in a Balmoral Park qualifier May 4 and then came back on May 11 to romp to a 9 ½-length victory in 1:57. Dale Hiteman was in the bike for both starts.



"I'll try to get her a couple starts and then go to the Classic Series June 4 (at Woodbine)," said Seekman. "She'll be back."



As for taking on Rainbow Blue, who has not lost since the Mistletoe Shalee, a string of 11 straight including three in a row this year, Seekman said, with a laugh, "It would be nicer if she wasn't in there, but what are you going to do? She looks stronger than ever. But they pay for second, third, fourth and fifth, don't they?"

« Back