Classic Leah looking to improve to 3 for 3 in sprint

Classic Leah will try to stay undefeated in a $25,000 claiming race for 3-year-old fillies that headlines “Fab” Friday at Emerald Downs. Post time for the first Friday evening card at Emerald this year is 6:30 Pacific.

Classic Leah is perfect in two starts, both for trainer Vince Gibson. Since maiden races don’t count in the nonwinners-of-two clause in the conditions of the race, she is eligible for the 5 1/2-furlong dash that drew eight horses.

Bred in California, Classic Leah broke with the field when she beat the boys in a $15,000 maiden claimer in her debut June 14. That wasn’t the case in her impressive victory in her first start this year. With Patrick Henry Jr. aboard, she was last out of the gate in the $15,000 claimer for nonwinners of two on April 20. It didn’t take her long to recover, and she got into the race soon after the start. Despite the slow beginning and going five wide around the turn, she was able to wear down the leaders and edged Alittlelesstalk by a nose.

Classic Leah will break from post 7 under Henry. With plenty of potential speed in the field, she could get a nice trip from a stalking position.

KEY CONTENDERS

Classic Leah, by Sixthirteen
Beyers: 52-40

◗ Solid efforts in both of her races with Henry aboard, and she has a right to move forward in her second start following a lengthy layoff.

◗ The shape of the race also should work for the versatile filly.

Timberlake Gage, by Primal Instinct
Beyer: 58

◗ Nice job by Candi Cryderman to have her ready for her debut, and there were a lot of surprised people when she paid $21.60 for her front-running victory in a $12,500 maiden claimer for Washington-bred 3-year-old fillies April 28.

◗ Facing winners for the first time is never easy, but she does own the best last-race Beyer Speed Figure, and there should be forward progress with a race behind her.

◗ She breaks from post 2, with Juan Gutierrez retaining the mount.

Frisky Fox, by Creative Cause
Last 3 Beyers: 43-34-51

◗ She looked good winning a $6,250 claimer for 3-year-old fillies at Golden Gate Fields on March 22 and was claimed by trainer Frank Lucarelli, who is on fire at the meet with six wins from 17 starts.

◗ She has speed but is versatile, and she drew the outside post, so Kevin Orozco should be able to put her into a stalking position.