Barkley set for 3-year-old debut in allowance sprint

Barkley, undefeated in two starts, appears to be primed for a big effort when he makes his first start as a sophomore in a conditional allowance race at Emerald Downs on Sunday. The six-furlong sprint restricted to 3-year-olds drew six horses, and it will be interesting to see if Barkley was just a precocious 2-year-old or if he will be one of the leaders of the 3-year-old stakes division at Emerald.

Trained by Howard Belvoir, Barkley was very impressive in winning his initial start and proved that it was no fluke when he came back to win the $49,000 Emerald Express.

Barkley appeared to have little chance after breaking poorly when he debuted going 4 1/2 furlongs in a maiden special weight race last June 20. However, with Javier Matias aboard, he started to pick off horses heading into the turn and finished full of run to wear down Beauty Has Power.

He did everything right in the Emerald Express, and the horse he beat by half a length, Gold Rush Dancer, went on to win the Joe Gottstein Futurity. In his most recent start, Gold Rush Dancer was the runner-up in the $200,000 Echo Eddie for California-breds at Santa Anita on April 9.

Belvoir is excited about Barkley’s return.

“He’s really matured over the winter,” said Belvoir. “I would have liked more time with him, but he couldn’t be training any better.”

Barkley drew the outside post and should get a nice trip from a stalking position with Matias retaining the mount.

KEY CONTENDERS

Barkley, by Munnings

Last 2 Beyers: 64-55

◗ He’s talented and signaled his readiness when he worked a bullet four furlongs in 46 seconds out of the gate April 7.

Viewingthegold, by Harbor the Cat

Last 3 Beyers: 57-58-72

◗ He lost by a head when he debuted for trainer Jose Navarro in the $58,000 WTBOA Lads. The winner, Macho One Rules, came back to easily win his next two starts in the Captain Condo and Cahill Road stakes.

◗ Viewingthegold may have tipped his hand when he worked a bullet five furlongs out of the gate in a sizzling 57 seconds flat April 1.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years, Navarro has won with 17 percent of his starters coming off a layoff of 180 days or more.

Valid Keiki, by Successful Appeal

Last 3 Beyers: 71-60-49

◗ Trained by Frank Lucarelli, he romped in his debut, which was his only start at Emerald last year.

◗ The 71 Beyer Speed Figure he earned for his fourth-place finish in an optional $40,000 claiming race at Golden Gate on Jan. 9 is the best last-race figure in this field.