Cody's Choice: Catch him if you can

A suddenly improved Cody’s Choice looks like the one to catch and beat in a first-level allowance race with a $25,000 claiming option Saturday at Emerald Downs. The 6 1/2-furlong dash for 3-year-olds drew seven horses and goes as race 7 on an eight-race card that starts at 5 p.m. Pacific.

Two starts back, Cody’s Choice earned an 80 Beyer Speed Figure for his five-length romp at Emerald in a $15,000 claiming race for nonwinners of two on Aug. 25. Before that, his career-best Beyer was the 71 he received for an easy front-running win in a $15,000 claimer for 3-year-olds on July 13. Cody’s Choice validated the 80 Beyer by getting an 81 when he was the runner-up to Argosy Fleet on Sept. 1 in a race similar to Saturday’s. The final time of 1:14.97 for the 6 1/2-furlong dash was the third fastest at the meet.

Javier Matias retains the mount on Cody’s Choice on Saturday.

The main threat could come from Trump Itz, who is coming off a runner-up finish behind the 5-year-old Ididaride Solo in a $25,000 conditional claimer Aug. 26. A Blaine Wright-trained Washington-bred, Trump Itz also has speed and will need to use it breaking from the rail with Julien Couton riding.

KEY CONTENDERS

Cody’s Choice, by Raise the Bluff

Last 3 Beyers: 81-80-19

◗ Toss his race when he broke inward into Trump Itz in an optional claimer on Aug. 5, and he hasn’t been worse than second in four starts since June 20.

◗ He is the speed of the speed, and if he stays in the zone, he will be tough to beat.

Trump Itz, by Coast Guard

Last 3 Beyers: 75-56-57

◗ He won at this level in his first start this year, then got waxed in the $50,000 Seattle Slew won by Sippin Fire, who has dominated the local 3-year-old division. It may have taken him a couple races to recover form that loss.

◗ He earned a career-best 75 Beyer Speed Figure in his last start, and his fourth-place finish in his race two back was better than it looks as he was compromised at the start when Cody’s Choice cut him off leaving the gate.

Smoothee Lee, by Sidney’s Candy

Last 3 Beyers: 71-45-72

◗ Trained by Frank Lucarelli, he was good enough to finish second in the Seattle Slew, and after running a dull race in the $50,000 Muckleshoot Derby he ran evenly to finish third in the same race Trump Itz exits.

◗ He might be a bit sharper in his second straight sprint and could pick up the pieces if Cody’s Choice and Trump Itz get carried away up front.