Beau Rocket faces big challenge in open claimer

Beau Rocket will try to elevate her game to another level when she runs in a $25,000 claimer for fillies and mares Saturday at Emerald Downs. The one-mile race drew seven horses and goes as race 7 on an eight-race card that begins at 5 p.m. Pacific.

Trained by Blaine Wright, Beau Rocket has won 3 of her 4 starts and is coming off a 6 1/2-half romp in a one-mile $15,000 claiming race for nonwinners of three on Aug. 16. It was her first time going around two turns, so she should be able to build on the experience.

Beau Rocket had a big excuse in her loss, which came in a first-level allowance race with a $30,000 claiming option in her second start. She broke a step slowly and then was steadied repeatedly before being eased.

In all her wins, she held the lead at every call. There is some but not an abundance of speed drawn inside of her Saturday.

Beau Rocket drew the outside post and could be tough to reel in if she clears early with Javier Matias up.

KEY CONTENDERS

Beau Rocket, by Heatseeker

Last 3 Beyers: 71-51-0

◗ Lightly raced 4-year-old was very impressive winning her latest. With just four starts, her best races could be in front of her.

◗ This will be her first time running in an open claimer, so she will get tested for class.

Little Dancer, Successful Appeal

Last 3 Beyers: 64-35-66

◗ A stakes winner trained by Doris Harwood, she has regressed as a 5-year-old but did run an improved race at this level and distance on Aug. 11.

◗ Blinkers go on, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see her show a bit more of the speed she used to have. If she can stay in touch early, she could make a big impact late.

McDove, by Proud Citizen

Last 3 Beyers: 64-63-57

◗ Trained by Sharon Ross, the 6-year-old Kentucky-bred has speed but can stalk. She came from a stalking position when she was the runner-up to runaway winner Boomerang Miss at this level and distance on Aug. 11.

◗ She could get the right kind of trip in her second straight route.

Brilliant Bird, by Einstein

Last 3 Beyers: 69-58-46

◗ The Pablo De Jesus trainee looked good winning a $15,000 claimer going six furlongs Aug. 25 and should get a nice trip from a forward position.

◗ She has no wins going around two turns, but did finish second going a mile in the $50,000 Washington Cup Sophomore Filly last year, so the distance should be within her reach.