The problem of short fields continues to plague the sport at many venues, but it hasn’t necessarily impacted the quality of racing.

    The second race at Thistledown yesterday was a prime example as a pair of scratches resulted in a field of four going six furlongs over the main track. Island Winter, a 3-year-old filly by Bahamian Squall bred by Donald Dizney, was 4/5 on the tote board with Guillermo Rodriguez, but she had to face a tough foe in Catch the Rainbow, who was also 4/5.

    The duo broke together as a team, but Rodriguez eased Island Winter back to second and she tracked her rival through fractions of :22.88 and :47.20. Rodriguez sent his filly up to contest the lead on the turn and the two battled gamely down the stretch, with Island Winter drawing off late to score by 1 3/4 lengths. She paid $3.60 after getting the distance in 1:13.88. 

    In her last five starts, Island Winter has posted two victories and three seconds and the winner’s check of $7,670 increased her earnings to $28,689.