Auburn 1-2 going at it again

AUBURN, Wash. - Call on Carson and Immigration, the top two finishers in the six-furlong Auburn Stakes on May 13, will meet again, at 6 1/2 furlongs, in Sunday's $60,000 Pepsi-Cola Handicap for 3-year-olds at Emerald Downs.

Call on Carson, a front-running son of Lord Carson from the barn of trainer Dan Markle, won the Auburn by 2 1/4 lengths in a sparkling 1:08 after turning back what appeared to be a winning bid by Immigration at the top of the stretch. It was the second straight win for Call in Carson, who defeated maiden special weight company by five lengths here after being claimed for a mere $12,500 at Golden Gate. Kevin Radke was up for both of those scores, and Radke will again have the mount on Sunday at 119 pounds.

Immigration, a son of Delineator who is trained by Howard Belvoir, will also carry 119 pounds with regular rider Jennifer Whitaker in the irons. Immigration was the top 2-year-old on the grounds last year, winning 4 of 5 starts, including three stakes. He was making his 2007 debut in the Auburn and may have been a bit short, but he should be fully cranked for the Pepsi-Cola after logging a race and two interim workouts.

While Call on Carson and Immigration figure to take most of the wagering action, Wild Cycle will also be a focal point for the fans' interest. Wild Cycle, a Free at Last gelding trained by Aubrey Villyard, won 2 of 5 tries here last season, including the WTBA Lads Stakes at a mile, and he finished second to stablemate Pirates Deputy in the $100,000 Gottstein Futurity. Wild Cycle's 3-year-old unveiling has been delayed by physical problems that cost him a month of training, but he is entirely healthy now, and it is just a question of whether he is fit enough to offer his best effort. Juan Gutierrez will have the mount at 117 pounds.

Combo Royale, Freetoleave, and Liberty for Al round out the field of six.

Combo Royale, an Arizona-bred trained by Joe Toye, is coming off a win over Arizona-bred competition in a 1o1/16-mile stakes at Turf Paradise on April 28, while Freetoleave was a two-time stakes winner at Northlands Park last year. Liberty for Al, who was stakes-placed here last season, is coming off an authoritative 3 3/4-length win over allowance company at six furlongs on May 19.