Call on Carson attempts stretch-out

AUBURN, Wash. - Call on Carson will attempt to extend his winning streak to four when he heads a field of six 3-year-olds in Sunday's $45,000 Tacoma Handicap at Emerald Downs.

Call on Carson, a son of Lord Carson from the barn of trainer Dan Markle, has gone on a tear since being claimed by owners Bruce Cudahy, Rob Sutherland, and Janet Schimke-Crist for a modest $12,500 at Golden Gate Fields in February. After scoring his initial win against maiden special weight company here on April 20, Call on Carson posted sharp scores in the six-furlong Auburn Stakes and the 6 1/2-furlong Pepsi Cola Handicap. He will be trying for his first win around two turns in Sunday's one-mile feature, when he will be ridden by Mick Ruis at 120 pounds.

Call on Carson will again meet persistent rival Immigration, who will be coupled in the wagering with Mulcahy. Immigration, who was the top 2-year-old at Emerald last season when he won 4 of 5 starts, finished second to Call on Carson in both the Auburn and the Pepsi Cola. He was beaten only a half-length by Call on Carson after showing the way in the Pepsi Cola and again figures as the one to catch. Immigration, who is trained and owned in part by Howard Belvoir, will carry regular rider Jennifer Whitaker at 119 pounds.

Mulcahy, who is also trained and partly owned by Belvoir, defeated maiden special weight company at six furlongs here on May 19 and came back to finish a closing second in a first-level allowance at six furlongs on June 16. Macario Rodriguez will ride at 113 pounds.

Among the most intriguing challengers to the favorites is Fort Yates, who is undefeated after three starts. Fort Yates raced on the lead in his maiden win over $22,500 company on April 28 and when defeating $32,000 claimers on May 12, but came from well off the pace to defeat first-level allowance rivals at 6 1/2 furlongs last time out on June 2.

"It was good to see that he can do that if necessary," said Pat Mullens, who trains Fort Yates for owners Rod and Dawn Olson. "It was the first time he has ever gotten dirt in his face, and I think he got a good education. He has shown me a little more in each of his races, and I just hope he can keep improving. He'll be tested for class in this one."