Awhitesportscoat should have fitness edge in sprint feature

February was colder than usual in Seattle, and a frozen track caused horses to miss training while preparing for the Emerald Downs meet, which began April 20. Horses who have been running should have an edge over ones who spent the winter at home. With that in mind, Awhitesportscoat should make a big impact when he runs in an allowance race with a $30,000 claiming option Sunday.

The 5 1/2-furlong dash drew a solid field of older horses, including Hit the Beach, who closed out his 5-year-old campaign with wins in the $50,000 Muckleshoot Tribal Classic and $25,000 Pete Pedersen. He is trained Hilbern Mullens, who won eight races from 36 starters at Emerald last year. The World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veteran is 91.

Awhitesportscoat is trained by the youngish Blaine Wright, 44, who may have aged a bit by being on the Kentucky Derby trail with Anothertwistafate.

“No way,” said Wright.

Anothertwistafate came up just short in the points race to get into the Derby and is now being pointed to the Preakness. Anothertwistafate and Awhitesportscoat are owned by Peter Redekop, who always uses “A” as the first letter in horse names.

Awhitesportscoat is coming off a fifth-place finish in a $40,000 claimer at Golden Gate Fields, where he has raced most of his career on Tapeta. With a win and a runner-up finish from two starts on dirt, he should be fine running on the Emerald Downs surface. He can stalk the pace and should get a nice trip breaking from the outside post in the eight-horse field. Kevin Orozco rides.

◗ If Daily Racing Form handicappers are correct, then 90-year-old trainer Bob Meeking will win the first race with Trelawny. The 12-year-old Florida-bred is the consensus best bet.

KEY CONTENDERS

Awhitesportscoat, by Hansen
Last 3 Beyers: 66-76-74

◗ He should have a fitness edge over his rivals, and with plenty of speed drawn inside, he could pick up the pieces late.

Hit the Beach, by Harbor the Gold
Last 3 Beyers: 90-84-76

◗ He turned into a monster at the end of last meet and can fire fresh, as evidenced by his win in a $25,000 optional claimer in his first start last year. He was breaking from the rail in the 5 1/2-furlong dash and will leave from the inside post with Jose Zunino aboard Sunday.

Cody’s Choice, by Raise the Bluff
Last 3 Beyers: 83-77-81

◗ Trained by Vince Gibson, he is the speed of the speed, and he romped in his first start last year in a $25,000 maiden claimer at Emerald and in his final one in the $12,000 Inaugural Handicap at Portland Meadows on Sept. 30.