Damon's Mound Back in Top Form Ahead of Steel Valley

It took a while, six starts to be exact, but Damon's Mound  is finally back on his 'A' game just in time for the $300,000 Steel Valley Sprint Stakes at Mahoning Valley Race Course Nov. 20.

Trained by Michelle Lovell, Damon's Mound dazzled in his first pair of outings last year as a 2-year-old. After romping by 12 1/2 lengths in his debut, he took on Saratoga Race Course and conquered the Saratoga Special (G2) by 3 1/4 lengths. The Girvin   colt then found the mile of the Iroquois (G3) too far for his liking, was benched for seven months, and then struggled to regain his former glory. Then came the Robert Hilton Memorial at Charles Town and the Gallant Bob (G2) at Parx Racing, where he resumed his winning ways, besting a fair share of his Steel Valley rivals in the process.

Although critics may say his wins came over wet tracks, Damon's Mound's Gallant Bob Equibase Speed Figure was eight points higher than any number he'd ever recorded, signaling improvement.

Junior Alvarado, aboard for the colt's last two starts, retains the mount for the six-furlong Steel Valley.

Speedsters Uncashed  and Super Chow  will be looking to spar with Damon's Mound for early command and Gallant Bob runner-up Nautical Star , second choice on the morning line at 7-2, should also be part of the mix into the opening pace.