Distance looks doable for Blue Law

In 23 lifetime starts, Blue Law has not won a race longer than six furlongs. Nevertheless, he looks like a major player in a one-mile, $15,000 conditional-claiming race for 3-year-olds and up on Saturday at Emerald Downs. Post time for the first of eight races is 6:30 p.m. Pacific.

Blue Law, trained by Candi Tollett, might not have won going around two turns, but he has come close more than once. In his third start, he finished second at Santa Anita in a one-mile maiden race on turf in 2015. Later in the year, he was also the runner-up to Second Summer in a similar race at Del Mar. Second Summer went on to win the Grade 2 Californian at Santa Anita in 2016 and the $1 million Godolphin Mile at Meydan on Dubai World Cup Night this past March.

In Blue Law’s best race going a middle distance on dirt, he finished third in a $40,000 starter race at Los Alamitos last year. The runner-up, J Serino, is now a stakes winner with $196,406 in earnings.

Blue Law is coming off a big effort in a $15,000 claiming race for non-winners of three at Emerald on June 24, losing the 6 1/2-furlong dash by a neck after having to steady at the eighth pole. The 80 Beyer Speed Figure he received stands out in this field, and with leading rider Rocco Bowen retaining the mount, he looks as good as any in what appears to be a crapshoot.

Blue Law will break from the outside post in the eight-horse field.

KEY CONTENDERS

Blue Law, by Dunkirk

Last 3 Beyers: 80-44-77

◗ He stalked an honest pace in his narrow loss in his last start and could be dangerous if Bowen can get him into a similar position without going wide around the first turn.

Face Valued, by Harbor the Gold

Last 3 Beyers: 64-63-64

◗ The Chris Stenslie-trained 4-year-old has won at the distance and finished third last year in the one-mile, $50,000 Washington Cup race for 3-year-olds.

◗ He is dropping to a new low and could be the one they have to run down in his first route attempt this year.

◗ He breaks from post 2 with leading apprentice Kevin Orozco aboard for the first time.

Dustin’s Passion, by Northern Afleet

Last 3 Beyers: 68-72-60

◗ He is doubling his price after winning a $7,500 claimer for non-winners of three going six furlongs July 1, but he has a solid 1-2-2 record from 5 starts at the distance, and with other speed to go with Face Valued, the shape of the race could work for him. He should get a cozy trip from the inside post.

◗ The 7-year-old Kentucky-bred gelding will be making his first start for trainer David Martinez, who claimed him out of his last race on behalf of Mery Bercenas and Tom Neva.