'Buckshot' takes aim at win No. 5

AUBURN, Wash. - Do's Buckshot will attempt to regain his winning stride in Thursday's Emerald Downs feature, a $3,500 starter handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Do's Buckshot, a 7-year-old former class horse, began the meet with four straight wins, two in sprints against $3,500 claimers and two in routes against $3,500 starter allowance and starter handicap foes. He stepped up to the $10,000 starter allowance level for his last outing on July 4, but faded to finish sixth to the razor-sharp Itstufftobegood in that 1 1/16-mile affair.

On the basis of his success at Thursday's level, Do's Buckshot will carry high weight of 122 pounds and concede from two to seven pounds to his seven rivals. Trainer Debbie Van Horne has returned the mount to Javier Ortega, who was up for all four of Do's Buckshot's wins at the meeting.

Do's Buckshot may get his sternest challenge from Table Me N Saros, a 6-year-old from the barn of trainer Jim Sayler. Table Me N Saros is one of four in Thursday's cast who is exiting a six-furlong test for $3,500 starter allowance runners on July 10, a day in which a majority of the winners raced along what seemed to be a very glib rail path. Table Me N Saros raced well off the rail while closing for third in his first start since November, and figures to improve strongly on Thursday.

Also a threat is Stud Poker, who won the July 10 race. Stud Poker enjoyed a rail trip that day and could be overbet off his bias-aided win.