Barkley, Mach One Rules meet in Auburn Handicap
Barkley and Mach One Rules will put their undefeated records on the line in the $50,000 Auburn Handicap at Emerald Downs on Sunday. With a race behind him this year, Barkley could have a slight edge in the 6 1/2-furlong dash for 3-year-olds that drew seven horses.
Trained by Howard Belvoir, Barkley came from a stalking position to win a six-furlong allowance in his first start this year April 17. It was an impressive performance, and Belvoir was impressed with the horse’s six-furlong work in 1:10.60 on May 1.
“We caught him from a different pole than the clockers and got him in 1:09 and change,” said Belvoir. “Whatever the time was, it was a real good work for him, and having a race means a lot here.”
Barkley rallied to win the Emerald Downs Express in his second and final start as a 2-year-old last August. In all three of his wins, he was ridden by Javier Matias, who retains the mount.
Mach One Rules used his good speed to win four straight races as a 2-year-old at Emerald. He showed trainer Frank Lucarelli enough for him to consider giving Mach One Rules a shot at bigger prey in Southern California.
“He is a very nice horse, and we thought he might be good enough to run in stakes races at Santa Anita last fall,” said Lucarelli. “He came up with a sore shin, though, so we gave him a little time off.”
Mach One Rules has been in front at the half-mile call in all four of his races, but Lucarelli doesn’t think he’s one-dimensional.
“He’s just fast,” he said. “He’s very mellow, and he’s been fine when we worked him behind horses.”
His usual rider, Leslie Mawing, will have the task of harnessing Mach One Rules’s substantial speed after he breaks from post No. 6.
KEY CONTENDERS
Barkley, by Munnings
Last 3 Beyers: 74-64-55
◗ Considering his sharp six-furlong move following his impressive win in his first start this year, he could be ready to take a huge step forward.
Mach One Rules, by Harbor the Gold
Last 3 Beyers: 70-83-72
◗ He is the speed of the speed and drew a nice post if Mawing wants to find out if he can rate.
Access This, by City Zip
Last 3 Beyers: 80-55-69
◗ Trained by a red-hot Blaine Wright, he came from just off the pace to win an optional $40,000 claiming race at Golden Gate Fields on April 3 and has trained well for his first start on dirt.