'Betabuck' steps up off big win

AUBURN, Wash. - Idabetabuck looms an intriguing possibility in Friday's best race at Emerald Downs, a six-furlong, $25,000-$30,000 claiming race that has drawn a competitive field of 10.

Idabetabuck, from the barn of trainer Frank Lucarelli, will be stepping up sharply off an authoritative win against $15,000 rivals in his 2005 debut on April 16. In that five-furlong race, Idabetabuck attended the pace before drawing away to score by three lengths in 57.80 seconds. Idabetabuck won 1 of 3 starts here last year, the win coming by 9 1/2 lengths against $12,500 maidens in his second start.

The class of Friday's field might be Magna Tice, who was stakes-placed here last year, running second to the talented Seattles Best Joe in the six-furlong Captain Condo Stakes on Washington Cup Day, Sept. 19. Magna Tice, trained by Craig Roberts, finished seventh and last in allowance company in his 2005 debut on opening night, April 15. He did show sharp speed that day, however, and the winner of the race, Beau Maggie, returned to win the six-furlong Auburn Stakes in his next start.

Another threat is Wanda's Ace, who scored a 3 1/2-length win in $12,500 maiden company here in his debut on April 23. Wanda's Ace was claimed that day and will be making his first start for trainer Alan Bozell.

Trainer Bud Klokstad will saddle two: Buck Knight, a winner at the $22,500 level at Golden Gate, and Cedar River, who won his maiden for a $25,000 tag here last year.