Blue Law set to fire best shot

If Blue Law takes the expected move forward in his second start back from a layoff, he will be a handful in a $25,000 claiming race Saturday evening at Emerald Downs. The 6 1/2-furlong dash for 3-year-olds and up goes as race 7 on an eight-race program that begins at 5 p.m. Pacific.

Blue Law was trained by Cindy Krasner when he won two sprint stakes at Hastings and was named the champion sprinter in British Columbia last year.

Following a disappointing winter and spring in Turf Paradise with trainer Manny Ortiz, he returned to Hastings with Krasner and finished fourth after forcing the pace in the $50,000 Swift Inaugural on May 4. He went on the shelf until he resurfaced in a $25,000 claimer on July 20 at Emerald. Racing for Ortiz, the 7-year-old Kentucky-bred didn’t show his usual speed, but he finished well for fourth in the six-furlong dash.

He came back with two sharp works, and from his outside post should get a nice trip from a forward position with leading rider Gary Wales retaining the mount.

KEY CONTENDERS

Blue Law, by Dunkirk

Last 3 Beyers: 60-77-76

◗ He is by far the class of the party, and the move to the outside post just about guarantees a clean trip.

◗ Adding to his appeal are the strong stats Otiz has with horses making their second start following a layoff.

Bullet Drill, by Coast Guard

Last 3 Beyers: 68-62-46

◗ The 4-year-old Washington-bred is trending in the right direction for leading trainer Frank Luccarelli, and the 68 Beyer he received for his win in a $15,000 claimer on Aug. 7 is the best last-race figure in the field. Lightly raced, he should have some upside.

◗ He was able to get up in time in his latest win, despite getting off to a slow start in the six-furlong dash.

◗ He will break from post 3 with Kevin Orozco riding.

Mixo, by Abraaj

Last 3 Beyers: 57-69-70

◗ Trained by Sharon Ross, he didn’t fire as the favorite when he dropped to this level on Aug. 10, but he had an excuse as he did go pretty wide on the turn.

◗ He won four races from 10 starts last year and could be dangerous if he can get into the mix early.

Vicente’s Shadow, by Liaison

Last 3 Beyers: 67-65-71

◗ Trained by Satchell Stevens, he is stepping up in class after finishing second in a $25,000 claiming race for nonwinners of two.

◗ He was the runner-up to Mike Man’s Gold at this level three back, and it is encouraging to see the red-hot Kevin Krigger stick with him. Krigger bails on Tumac Mountain, who is coming off a fast-closing third in a $25,000 claimer on Aug. 10.