Axmaker claimer seeks No. 3

AUBURN, Wash. - Jumpingjupiter shoots for his third win at the current Emerald Downs meeting, when he takes on five other 3-year-olds in Friday's six-furlong feature race for $16,000 to $14,000 claimers.

Jumpingjupiter, a son of Storm Blast who races for owner and trainer Pete Axmaker, is one of four in Friday's feature who were entered in a similar race last Saturday, but that race was one of five that were called off because the racing surface was unsafe due to heavy rains. Five others who were entered in last weekend's race are not entered back on Friday, but Slew the Enemy and Deke's Star jumped in to fill out the field.

All of the entrants in Friday's feature have early foot, but Jumpingjupiter has an added dimension in that he can compete from slightly off the pace. In his 2003 debut on June 20, Jumpingjupiter came from third place to win by two lengths in a five-furlong race for $12,500 claimers.

Following two off-the-board finishes against better competition, Jumpingjupiter returned to the $12,500 level in his last outing on June 1 and led throughout 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:16.40 to win by almost three lengths. Kevin Murray, who rode that day, again has the mount.

Slew the Enemy might be quickest of those who appear to need the lead and rates as the one to fear on that basis. Slew the Enemy graduated with a gate-to-wire win against $16,000 maidens in his first start of the year on May 1, but has since finished sixth and then third. But without Wapato Gold to deal with on Friday, Slew the Enemy is a threat to lead throughout.