American Fury showing signs of life

AUBURN, Wash. - American Fury has found a likely spot to regain his winning form in Thursday's Emerald Downs feature, a one-mile race for older $7,500 claimers that has drawn a field of seven.

American Fury, a 7-year-old son of Souvenir Copy from the barn of trainer Martin Kenney, was once accustomed to meeting much tougher company. He won a maiden special weight race at Santa Anita and a first-level allowance at Del Mar as a 3-year-old, then won a $62,500 optional claiming race at Del Mar at age 4. Immediately after that win, he ran a respectable fourth to Adreamisborn in the Grade 3 Longacres Mile.

However, after just missing in $80,000 optional claiming company at Hollywood in December 2004, American Fury missed all of 2005 and raced only once in 2006. He has raced four times this year, and he showed signs of revitalization in his last outing on Aug. 18 when he closed for third against $10,000 claimers at six furlongs. Another price cut and more ground could be all American Fury needs to score.

American Fury could get his stiffest opposition from Initial Reaction, who ran third to $10,000 rivals at a mile on Sept. 1. That was just the second start for Initial Reaction, a 4-year-old son of Matricule trained by Brent Lyon, since May. He could be primed for a peak effort.

Money Up Front, who ran third going a mile for a $7,500 tag on Sept. 2, also ranks as a contender.