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GP Downs features a pair of stakes races today By From staff reports Jun 27, 2009 12:00 AM A A Grants Pass Downs will offer a double feature — a quarter horse and thoroughbred handicap — and all women get in free on the track's Ladies Day promotion today. Post time is 12:30 p.m. for the first of 12 races at the Josephine County Fairgrounds. The $10,000-added John Deere Challenge for quarter horses will be the seventh race. A talented field of seven horses will compete in the 350-yard sprint. Eyes Okey has been installed as the 5-2 morning-line favorite by racing secretary Nichelle Milner. Eyes Okey has two wins and two seconds in his last four starts. The 8-year-old has amassed over $81,000 in career earnings. Devon Dat Cash, who has not run out of the money in his last five outs, is the second choice at 3-1. The 4-year-old Scott Raley-trained colt will be ridden by Joe Crispin, a former GP Downs leading jockey. Crispin is making his first appearance at the track this season. The $4,200-added Oregon HBPA Stakes, today's 10th race, is one of the richest thoroughbred purses of the meet. The two favorites in the 11/16-mile handicap are horses that have been brought up from Golden Gate Fields and won here last weekend. Melodic, a 7-year-old trained by Jim Haverty, is the 2-1 favorite, while the 9-year-old Whenthewindblows is at 3-1 odds on the opening line. Whenthewindblows has 11 career victories and has earned $94,714 — the most of any in the six-horse field. On Sunday, GP Downs will hold a Kids Day promotion for the second straight year. The first 200 children through the gate will be given a complimentary toy surprise donated by OregonRacing.com. The toys all have a horse-related theme. A grand prize drawing will also be held. Sunday's post time is 12:30 p.m. for the 11-race card.