Assemble drops from stakes to allowance

Assemble will appreciate the class relief and the cutback in distance when she runs in a first-level allowance race for fillies and mares that headlines the eight-race card at Emerald Downs Saturday. The six-furlong feature also has a $32,000 claiming option and drew eight horses.

Trained by Blaine Wright, Assemble lost her first-level condition when she won a $25,000 optional-claiming race on June 2, so she will have to run for the claiming price. Following her victory in the 5 1/2-furlong dash for 3-year-old fillies, she finished a distant fifth going a 1 1/16 miles at Emerald in the $50,000 Irish Day Stakes for 3-year-old fillies July 1.

Both of her wins came sprinting, so she should be more comfortable going around one turn, and she is capable of rallying into what should be a fast and contested pace.

Assemble will break from post 2 with Julian Couton riding.

Curious Runner may be the horse that puts Frank Lucarelli over the top in his quest to become the all-time leading trainer in wins at Emerald Downs. Going into Friday he was one win away from tying Tim McCanna.

“Ever since people started talking about it I’ve gone cold,” said Lucarelli. “I have a few horses in the right spots, so maybe it will happen this weekend. Curious Runner is on a roll right now, so maybe she’ll be the one. She is taking a big step up in class, but she couldn’t be doing better so maybe she’ll be up to the challenge.”

A Kentucky-bred 3-year-old, Curious Runner has won her last three races, with the latest victory coming in a $15,000 claiming race for 3-year-old fillies June 24.

Post time for the first race on Saturday is 5 p.m. Pacific.

KEY CONTENDERS

Assemble, by Bodemeister

Last 3 Beyers: 54-63-40

◗ She finished full of run when she upset Saturday rival Sea Basket two back, and with plenty of potential speed signed on she should get a similar trip.

Sea Basket, by Coast Guard

Beyers: 60-63

◗ She was impressive winning her debut, and after dueling through honest fractions she held on well to finish second behind Assemble in her second start.

◗ Trained by Charlie Essex, she is reunited with leading rider Rocco Bowen, who was aboard for her maiden win. She could be dangerous if she clears early.

Curious Rumor, by Jimmy Creed

Last 3 Beyers: 59-61-49

◗ Lucarelli was pleased with how she worked a half-mile following her latest win, and she could get a nice trip tracking the other speed.

Brilliant Bird, by Einstein

Last 3 Beyers: 58-62-58

◗ Trained by Terry Gillihan, the lightly raced 3-year-old had a rough trip in the $50,000 Kent and could make a big impact if she can get into the mix early.

◗ She may have tipped her hand when she worked a bullet five furlongs in 58.80 seconds on July 1.