Classic rematches Mile runners

AUBURN, Wash. - The $50,000 Muckleshoot Tribal Classic on Sunday at Emerald Downs headlines the second annual Washington Cup Day card, seven stakes restricted to Washington-breds.

Also on the 10-race card is the 67th running of the $100,000 Gottstein Futurity, which is open to all 2-year-olds eligible for the Northwest Race Series. In all, $400,000 will be up for grabs in the eight stakes to be contested on Sunday.

The 1 1/16-mile Muckleshoot Tribal Classic shapes up as a rematch between Demons Warlock and Mr. Makah, the second and third finishers in the Grade 3 Longacres Mile on Aug.o23. Demons Warlock finished just a length behind the victorious Adreamisborn in the Mile, while Mr. Makah closed from 16 lengths back to be beaten 6 3/4 lengths. Mr. Makah edged Demons Warlock by 1 1/4 lengths in their previous meeting, finishing second to Demon Warlock's third to Poker Brad in the Mt. Rainier Handicap at nine furlongs. The intermediate distance of the Muckleshoot Tribal Classic should bring the two rivals closer together at the finish.

Another threat in the Muckleshoot Tribal Classic is Alfurune, who got back on the winning track with a score in the Longacres Mile Consolation on Mile Day, defeating Knightsbridge Road by a neck in 1:35.80. Alfurune won last season's Independence Day Handicap here at 1 1/16 miles.