Bruschi drops after close finish

AUBURN, Wash. - Bruschi may have a slight edge over seven rivals in Friday's Emerald Downs feature, a six-furlong race for 3-year-old fillies eligible to be claimed for $20,000.

Bruschi, a daughter of Whywhywhy from the barn of trainer Jim Penney, is coming off a sharp third-place finish against $30,000 foes on July 4. Bruschi led to deep stretch in that 6 1/2-furlong race, and the cutback in distance on Friday would seem to boost her chances. Ricky Frazier will ride at 121 pounds.

Sheen Falls presents herself as an attractive alternative to the likely favorite after graduating against $20,000 maidens at Golden Gate on June 5. Sheen Falls, who was claimed here last season by trainer Steve Fisher for owner John Coonan for $30,000, has not raced since earning her diploma. She has trained extremely well for her return to Emerald Downs, however, and she lures Seth Martinez to ride at 121 pounds.

Also dangerous is Hot Silver, who just missed at a mile at the $17,500 level on Aug. 2. Hot Silver, a daughter of Aptitude trained by Doris Harwood, graduated at six furlongs and could prove formidable when returning to that distance on Friday. Leslie Mawing rides at 121 pounds.

Rounding out the field are Mille Manito, Tipperary Dream, Nothing in Common, Magic Firefly, and Vendetta.

o Friday's feature will share center stage with the track's annual wiener dog races.