'Corvallis' seems back on track

AUBURN, Wash. - Corvallis Dee will try to take another step along the comeback trail when he takes on seven rivals in Saturday's Emerald Downs feature, a one-mile affair for $25,000 claimers.

Corvallis Dee, a 5-year-old son of Slewdledo who races for Art McFadden, appeared to have an extremely bright future after winning the Gottstein Futurity here as a 2-year-old in 2003. His subsequent career has been compromised by injuries and illnesses, however, and he was riding a 10-race losing streak going into his last race on July 27, when he dusted $17,500 claiming company by 14 widening lengths after 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.20. That race, which was the third of the year for Corvallis Dee, seemed to announce that he is back on track to fulfill his considerable potential. Kevin Radke again has the call from trainer Bud Klokstad at 124 pounds.

Corvallis Dee might get his sternest test from Alcres George, who won the Hasta La Vista Handicap going 1 7/8 miles on turf at Turf Paradise before shipping here in June. Since his arrival, Alcres George has posted two seconds and a third while meeting tough $10,000 starter allowance company at extended distances. Though he is best known as a marathon runner, the 5-year-old Alcres George has been effective at a mile, both on turf and on dirt, and he seems a nice fit at the $25,000 claiming level. Leslie Mawing will ride for trainer Joe Toye.