Bullock sends out 3 in Gottstein

AUBURN, Wash. - An overflow field of 13 2-year-olds, including a powerful three-horse stable coupling trained by Steve Bullock, has been entered to contest Saturday's 1 1/16 mile, $100,000 Gottstein Futurity at Emerald Downs.

The Bullock-trained entry has quality as well as numbers, as it includes WTBA Lads runner-up Star of Rehaan, three-time winner Moloch and the outstanding filly Ashbecca, who captured the one mile Barbara Shinpoch Stakes against her own sex when last seen on Sept. 2.

Star of Rehaan just missed catching the frontrunning Devil's Enemy in the 6 1/2 furlong Lads, and as Devil's Enemy was not entered in the Gottstein he looms as the one to beat on Saturday. The Rehaan colt broke from the 11 post for the Lads, but is favorably drawn in post 2 for the Gottstein and should get a ground-saving trip under regular rider Juan Guiterrez at 120 pounds.

Star of Rehaan may get his sternest challenge from Ashbecca, who is the only filly in the field and the only entrant to have won around two turns. The daughter of Sandpit came from far back to win a three-horse photo in the Shinpoch, which was run in 1:39 flat. Nate Chaves will take over the mount from Ben Russell at 117 pounds.

Russell has elected to ride Melcapwalker for trainer Bud Klokstad. Melcapwalker finished third in the Lads after winning the six furlong Emerald Express Stakes in July and would appear to pose the most serious threat to the entry.