'Chance' back at right level

AUBURN, Wash. - Youhadyourchance will attempt to recover his sharp early season form Monday, when he takes on six fellow 3-year-olds in the Emerald Downs feature, a six-furlong test for $30,000 claimers.

Youhadyourchance began this meet with a three-race win streak that culminated in a sharp score over $30,000 claimers June 3, going 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:16. He was claimed by owner Dick Hayertz and trainer Dan Markle from his next start June 25, when he was third against $30,000 claimers. Youhadyourchance has raced twice since, finishing second in a 6 1/2-furlong allowance July 15 and ninth against $40,000 optional claimers at a mile Aug. 20.

With the cutback in distance and the drop to his last winning level, Youhadyourchance may well merit another chance.

Gold Rush Banker may be favored, however, after scoring a 4 1/2-length victory over $20,000 claimers Aug. 4 to post his second straight win. Gold Rush Banker covered six furlongs in 1:08.60 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 76, the top last-race figure in Monday's field. That win may have been aided by a speed bias, however, since Gold Rush Banker was one of four gate-to-wire winners on the eight-race card. Two other early leaders finished second, and one ran third.

The Aug. 4 speed bias suggests Holy Gin has the potential to upset Monday. He closed for second behind Gold Rush Banker that day, then came back to run third to $25,000 rivals Aug. 21.