'Bobbie' unknown at distance

AUBURN, Wash. - Bobbie Wagner, who posted an upset win at a similar class level back in June, may be favored to repeat in Thursday's feature at Emerald Downs.

The $10,000 starter handicap for fillies and mares, at the testing distance of 1 3/16 miles, has drawn a field of seven.

Bobbie Wagner, a 5-year-old from the barn of trainer Joe Toye, was dismissed at 12-1 in a $10,000 starter allowance at 1 1/16 miles on June 23. She forged to the front turning for home under jockey Ben Russell and drew off to score by 2 3/4 lengths in 1:43.40. It was the seventh win from 32 starts for Bobbie Wagner, who has not raced beyond 1 1/16 miles.

Stars on the Water, the 8-5 favorite in the race won by Bobbie Wagner, will be trying to make amends. A 5-year-old trained by Chris Stenslie, Stars on the Water finished six lengths behind Bobbie Wagner. She was forced to steady on the first turn, however, and was bumped on the second turn. Those incidents may have contributed to her dull effort. She won going a mile against $20,000 claimers here on May 19, and proved herself at Thursday's distance when she won a $10,000 starter allowance here last September.

Also dangerous are Last Thoughts, White Center Belle, La Patriotte, and Danger Decision, the top four finishers in a nine-furlong race for $10,000 starter company on July 13.