Class likely to tell in starter race

AUBURN, Wash. - Random Memo drops out of the stakes ranks to take on seven challengers in Saturday's Emerald Downs feature, a mile test for older horses who have started for a claiming tag of $25,000 or less.

Random Memo, a 4-year-old son of Memo from the barn of trainer Aubrey Villyard, graduated at the $25,000 level in his second career start on July 12, 2003, winning off by nearly 12 lengths. He defeated $50,000 optional claimers in his next outing, and since then he has run off a string of 11 straight stakes appearances. Random Memo won last year's Tacoma Handicap at a mile, and he is coming off a third-place finish to No Giveaway and Diamond View in the 6 1/2-furlong Governor's Handicap on July 31.

Recent winners Marbury and Road Afleet figure to offer the sternest opposition to Random Memo. Each is coming off a victory over $25,000 optional claiming company, with Marbury getting 1 1/16 miles in 1:43 on July 9 and Road Afleet going a mile in 1:36 on July 31.

Also dangerous is allowance winner Go Devil Go, the apparent speed of Saturday's line-up, and the comebacking Soccer Dan, who was stakes placed here last year.

Also on Saturday's card, Angie C. Stakes winner Celtic Crown and impressive maiden special weight winner The Case Queen will square off in a 6 1/2-furlong allowance race for 2-year-old fillies.