A Classic Life a big favorite in Boeing

AUBURN, Wash. - A Classic Life will be a strong favorite to post her third straight win Saturday, when she takes on five other fillies and mares in the $40,000 Boeing Handicap at 1 1/16 miles.

A 4-year-old daughter of Sky Classic, A Classic Life began her campaign with a nose win over Queenledo in the 6 1/2-furlong Washington State Legislators Handicap on June 11. She came back to defeat Queenledo by 1 1/4 lengths in the one-mile King County Handicap on July 9. A Classic Life has a history of improving with distance, and trainer Grant Forster said he feels she will make good use of the added sixteenth in the Boeing.

The winner of last year's Washington Oaks at 1 1/8 miles, A Classic Life is 7 for 8 at Emerald Downs. She was bet down to 7-5 in the King County and figures to be an even shorter price on Saturday. Regular rider Ricky Frazier has the mount at 121 pounds, two pounds more than A Classic Life carried in the King County.

Queenledo again figures to be the main challenger to A Classic Life. A 4-year-old daughter of Slewdledo, Queenledo won three straight stakes here last season en route to being named the top 3-year-old filly at the stand. She finished a length in front of A Classic Life in the 1 1/8-mile B.C. Oaks at Hastings Park last September, when Queenledo was second and A Classic Life third.

Queenledo is winless in four starts this year, but she has twice finished close behind A Classic Life, and she will be getting a weight break on Saturday. Regular rider Sandi Gann has the call at 117 pounds.

Queenledo is one of two Boeing entrants who will be saddled by trainer Tim McCanna. The other is Gins Majesty, who upset Queenledo in last year's Kent Handicap at 1 1/16 miles. A 4-year-old daughter of Go for Gin, Gins Majesty is unplaced in four starts at the stand. The McCanna trainees will race uncoupled in the wagering.

Jerre Paxton's Northwest Farms will send out an entry of Dinner at Arlene's and Debbie's Assault. Dinner at Arlene's is coming off a promising third in the King County, and Debbie's Assault beat allowance rivals at a mile on July 2.

Gold Deville, a recent allowance winner at 6 1/2 furlongs, rounds out the field.