Cha Cha Latte takes big drop in claiming sprint

Cha Cha Latte, a 12-time winner, will try to get back on track when she runs in a $5,000 claiming race for fillies and mares Friday at Emerald Downs. The six-furlong sprint drew six horses, and if Cha Cha Latte can regain the form she had last year and in her first two starts at the current meet, she’s the winner.

Racing for trainer Jeff Metz, Cha Cha Latte won four times, finished second twice, and was third once in seven starts at Emerald last year. She looked like she was on her way to similar success when she reeled off back-to-back wins in $5,000 claiming races in her first two starts this year.

The 6-year-old mare was claimed out of her second win by trainer Cliff Balcom and was the runner-up in a $15,000 claiming race in her first start for him June 13. She came back with a dull effort, however, finishing last in a $10,000 claiming race that drew five horses July 5. It was the first time she wasn’t part of the trifecta since Sept. 7, 2013, when she finished sixth in a $6,250 claiming race at Fairplex.

She drew the outside post and should get a nice trip stalking what figures to be a contested pace with Gallyn Mitchell aboard.

Niftys Tee Time looks like the main threat. Trained by Martin Pimentel, she is coming off a second-place finish in a similar race June 6.

Key contenders

Cha Cha Latte (Last 3 Beyers: 41-54-66)

* She will appreciate the easier company with the drop from $10,000, and the shape of the race should work for her.

DRF Formulator fact: Over the past five years, Balcom has a 20 percent strike rate with horses dropping in value by 50 percent or more.

Niftys Tee Time (Last 3 Beyers: 52-60-55)

* The consistent 5-year-old has a 5-4-0 record from 15 starts at Emerald and may have tipped her hand when she worked a bullet three furlongs in 36.40 seconds July 27.

* She is quick enough to make the lead, but there is other speed, and her versatility could come in handy.

Forbidden Kee (Last 3 Beyers: 50-54-52)

* She was claimed back by trainer Roy Lumm, who lost her for $2,500 out of a winning race May 25. She also is consistent, especially on dirt, over which she has compiled a 3-4-3 record from 11 starts on fast tracks.