Copy Begone pursues fourth straight win

It’s hard to get past Copy Begone in a $25,000 claiming race for 3-year-old fillies that will serve as Friday’s feature at Emerald Downs. After all, she has won her last three races and is coming back at the level of her latest win. She also figures to get a nice trip from her outside post in the six-furlong dash that drew seven horses.

Trained by Steve Bullock, Copy Begone began her streak with a 3 1/2-length win over Demons Darlin in a $7,500 claiming race for 3-year-old fillies restricted to nonwinners of two April 22. She easily handled the jump in class when she romped in a $20,000 claimer May 15, and she secured the hat trick when she beat Aunt Maryanne by a length in her latest.

She is fast, but she can stalk and will either try to take them all the way if she breaks on top or sit just off Swiss Script, who was an impressive winner of a $15,000 maiden-claiming race in her second start May 14.

Rocco Bowen, who was aboard for Copy Begone’s first two wins in the streak, picks up the mount from Javier Gutierrez.

Swiss Script, trained by Len Kasmerski, improved dramatically in her second start. After bobbling at the start, she quickly recovered and was never threatened while winning the five-furlong dash by seven lengths.

KEY CONTENDERS

Copy Begone, by Demon Warlock

Last 3 Beyers: 58-67-48

◗ The versatile filly is on a roll and drew the perfect post, giving Bowen more than one option.

Swiss Script, by Swiss Yodeler

Last 2 Beyers: 72-40

◗ The 72 Beyer Speed Figure she earned in her easy win is the best in this field, and with just two starts behind her, there is plenty of room for improvement.

Pebble Beach, by Proud Citizen

Last 3 Beyers: 52-57-61

◗ Trained by Frank Lucarelli, she couldn’t catch Copy Begone in her last two races, but she could pick up the pieces if Swiss Script and Copy Begone get into an all-out duel early.

Indian relay racing begins

Also at Emerald on Friday is the first of three days of Indian relay racing. Tribes from Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington will be represented by 18 teams entered in the three-day Muckleshoot Gold Cup, with $50,000 in purses. Teams will race twice around the track, with riders exchanging horses every half-mile. There will be three relay races each day.

Emerald is owned by the Muckleshoot Tribe, which is hosting the event.