Calex testing bounce theory in claimer

The question facing handicappers in the sixth race at Emerald Downs Friday night is a common one. Will Calex bounce or move forward after posting a career-best 81 Beyer Speed Figure in his last start, a $10,000 open claiming race at Emerald Downs on May 26? If he moves forward or runs as well as he did in his sharp performance he could be a handful in the $15,000 conditional claimer that will serve as the feature on the seven-race card, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Pacific. However, if the 6-year-old Ontario-bred gelding regresses after running his eyeballs out, the one-mile race for 3-year-olds and up, which drew seven horses, becomes a wide-open event.

Calex’s previous best Beyer was a 74, which he earned for his win in a $2,500 conditional claimer just over a year ago on June 3. Prior to his latest start and excluding his victory in a $30,000 optional maiden-claiming race at Turf Paradise in 2015, Calex had not won a race with a claiming price higher than $6,250, which came at Portland Meadows on Jan. 9.

However, he has won 14 times, so he knows how to get the job done, and with his good speed, he should get a nice trip breaking from the rail with Kevin Orozco retaining the mount for trainer Robert Baze.

KEY CONTENDERS

Calex, by Harlington
Last 3 Beyers: 81-69-59

◗ With increasing Beyer Speed Figures, he is clearly trending in a positive direction, and the runner-up in his last start, Awesome Return, came back to win a $10,000 claimer on June 10.

◗ He took them all the way in his latest win, but he is versatile, and he could get a nice trip sitting just off Double A. Prospect, who has never won a race longer than six furlongs.

Hot Bobby, by Raise the Bid
Last 3 Beyers: 71-69-77

◗ The Terry Gillihan-trainee has a solid 3-6-3 record from 14 starts at the one-mile distance, and he could be sitting on a big effort in his second-straight route and the third of his form cycle.

◗ A deep closer, he could have an honest and contested pace to work with, unlike in his latest start when he finished third to Wine At Nine, who was never threatened while winning a $10,000 starter race by 7 3/4 lengths on June 2.

Hill Croome, by American Lion
Last 3 Beyers: 64-63-55

◗ The 4-year-old Kentucky-bred gelding is going for the hat trick, and he was much the best when he won an $8,000 conditional claiming race by 6 3/4 lengths on June 3.

◗ Adding to his appeal is that his trainer, Jeff Metz, is having a strong meet with 19 wins from 58 starters. Metz is the leading trainer, with five more wins than Frank Lucarelli, who is second in all-time wins at Emerald and first in money won.