Extra incentive inspires Engel

Trainer Roger Engel will send out two sharp fillies in Chaparella and Inagoodway in the $55,000 More Than Even Stakes on Monday at Will Rogers Downs. The race is named for one of the top horses he trained, an eight-time stakes winner who earned $563,087.

“She’s one of my all-time favorite mares,” said Engel, who trained More Than Even for Doyle Williams. “It would really mean something to win it. We’ll give it our best try and see what happens.”

The More Than Even is a mile and 70-yard race for fillies and mares bred in Oklahoma. It is the former RPDC Classic Distaff, a race twice won by More Than Even. The mare is now retired and has a foal by Curlin, according to Engel.

MORE THAN EVEN, RACE 10 KEY CONTENDERS

Chaparella, by Service Stripe Last 3 Beyers: 83-73-78

◗ She enters off back-to-back wins at Will Rogers, both in two-turn races in April. She will break from post 8 in the field of nine.

“She’s pretty versatile,” said Engel, who trains Chaparella for Twisted Chaps Racing Stables. “She can do about anything. She can be close, or she can come from off the pace a little ways. She’s a really nice filly, and I think she’s getting better.”

◗ Bryan McNeil has the mount on Chaparella, who has won 4 of 11 career starts and is 3 for 3 at Will Rogers. Her local wins include last year’s $55,000 Cinema Handicap.

“She’s a very honest filly, tries hard every time she runs,” said Engel.

Hailstorm Slew, by Munnings Last 3 Beyers: 85-75-65

◗ She could be favored off her dominant win in the $55,000 Great Lady M. Stakes in her last start April 24. She won that Will Rogers race for Oklahomabreds by 4 3/4 lengths, covering six furlongs in a sharp 1:09.20.

◗ Hailstorm Slew earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 85, the best number in Monday’s field.

◗ Luis Quinonez has the mount for owner and trainer C.R. Trout.

Inagoodway, by Save Big Money Last 3 Beyers: 68-65-52

◗ She has won her last two races, both against open company and going two turns at Will Rogers. Inagoodway accounted for a first-level allowance March 22 and then rolled by 5 1/2 lengths in a $15,000 claiming race.

“She’s very sharp right now,” said Engel, who has given the mount to Curtis Kimes.