by Jay Wolf, assistant publicity director, the Little Brown Jug

Delaware, OH — This is the first of six updates highlighting the top contenders for the Little Brown Jug on September 20.

1. Southwind Lynx (b, c, Real Artist–Luxury Class)
Owners: K and R Racing (DE) and Teague Inc. (DE)
Trainer: George Teague, Jr.
Driver: Tim Tetrick
Last Week: Won a division of the Oliver Wendell Holmes at the Meadowlands in a lifetime best 1:48.3. Next up is the $420,125 Adios Pace on August 11.

2. Always A Virgin (br, c, Western Ideal–Neverhaditneverwill)
Owners: Bluewood Stable (NJ), Roll The Dice Stable (DE) and Val D’Or Farms (NJ)
Trainer: Joe Holloway
Driver: Brian Sears
Last Week: Won the first $121,000 Oliver Wendell Holmes division in 1:49.1.

3. Tell All (b, c, Real Desire–Have No Secrets)
Owner: My Desire Stable (KY)
Trainer: Blair Burgess
Driver: Jody Jamieson
Last Week: Finished a solid third, just two lengths behind Southwind Lynx, in the Oliver Wendell Holmes. His last quarter was timed in :26.3.

4. Kinetic Yankee (b, c, Western Ideal–Kikin Up Dirt)
Owners: Brittany Farms (KY), Fred Mansoor (ONT), Martha Frank (NJ) and Island View Partners (KY)
Trainer: Ervin Miller
Driver: Andy Miller
Last Week: Finished second to Always A Virgin in the Oliver Wendell Holmes, his fourth straight second-place finish.

5. Artriverderci (b, c, Western Ideal–Roman Art)
Owner: Glenview Livestock (ONT)
Trainer: Bruce Saunders
Driver: John Campbell
Last Week: Finishes third in the OWH after setting the early fractions. Has just one win in 2007, but has earnings of nearly $575,000.

6. Southwind Tempo (br, f, Bettor’s Delight–Tsunami Hanover)
Owners: Alton Lynch (DE) and Wayne Chrebet (NJ)
Trainer: Steve Elliott
Driver: Tim Tetrick
Last Week: An upset defeat in the $320,000 Mistletoe Shalee snapped a 10-race win streak. She may become the first filly to test the boys since Fan Hanover (1981).

7. Domitian Hanover (b, c, Camluck–Debras Charm)
Owners: Clay Horner (ONT) and Scott Horner (ONT)
Trainer: James “Friday” Dean
Driver: Mark MacDonald
Last Week: Won a $41,698 Gold elimination for the Ontario Sires Stakes at Mohawk in 1:52.1. Next up is the C$130,000 Gold Final.

8. Yankee Skyscaper (b, c, Artiscape-Skyfire)
Owner: Yankee Skyscaper Partners (KY)
Trainer: Chris Ryder
Driver: George Brennan
Last Week: Won a qualifier at the Meadowlands on August 2 in 1:51.3.

9. Spin Rate (b, c, Allamerican Ingot–Life’s Ticket)
Owners: Joseph Petrera (NY) and Robert Pucila (NY)
Trainer: Kelly O’Donnell
Driver: Ron Pierce
Last Week: Finished fifth in the OWH. Already has 15 starts in 2007.

10. Won The West (b, g, Western Hanover–Gabrielle)
Owners: Stollin Stable (OH), William Robinson (OH) and James Koehler (OH)
Trainer: Mickey Burke
Driver: Greg Grismore/Dave Palone
Last Week: Was nosed out in the $24,058 Pennsylvania Sires Stakes at The Meadows. Has 11 wins in 2007.

Upcoming Events:
August 11 — $420,000 Adios Pace (The Meadows)
August 12 — C$130,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Final (Mohawk)
August 12 — $60,000 Ohio Sires Stakes (Scioto Downs)
August 13 — $50,000 Kentucky Sires Stakes (The Red Mile)