Aries tries to build on his latest

Aries and Stormy Seattle will be going for repeat victories in Sunday's Emerald Downs feature, a $17,500 claimer at a mile for runners that have not won twice this year.

Aries and Stormy Seattle are the only runners in the field of five to record victories this year.

Aries has shown improvement since stretching out for the first time on July 3. The 4-year-old gelding ran second in his first try around two turns, then ran fifth before winning his last start on Aug. 29, stalking nicely before opening up in the lane and coasting home in a $12,500 claimer. He comes into the race with the best last-race Beyer Speed Figure, a 76.

Stormy Seattle, a 3-year-old gelding, earned his diploma winning a $12,500 maiden claimer at one mile on Aug. 10. He will be getting 10 pounds from Aries, who carries 124.

While the two winners will be stepping up, Sharper Eagle will be dropped from the $25,000 claiming level, where he ran second and third on Aug. 10 and July 27. He was never a factor in a $25,000 starter allowance in his last start on Aug. 23, but has been given a maintenance drill by trainer Craig Roberts since.

Premier Diablo has been running at this level since a drop from the $25,000 level three races back. He ran second, beaten a neck, on Aug. 8, and third, beaten five lengths, when nosed out for second by Platinum Katillac on Sept. 5.