Fast pair rematched at mile

AUBURN, Wash. - Spanish Highway and Flamethrowintexan will be rematched at a mile on Sunday in the $75,000 Emerald Handicap for older horses.

Spanish Highway and Flamethrowintexan staged a memorable stretch duel in the May 29 FSN Handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs, with Spanish Highway eking out a neck victory in 1:14.40. Spanish Highway, a 5-year-old son of Cahill Road trained by Bill Tollett, ran second to Starbird Road in his previous outing in the April 30 Seattle Handicap at six furlongs, and he won a pair of allowance races earlier this year at Sunland Park. He was ridden by Ken Tohill in all of those races, and Tohill will again fly in to accept the mount at 117 pounds.

Flamethrowintexan will carry high weight of 121 pounds, including rider Ricky Frazier, despite dropping the close decision to Spanish Highway in his seasonal debut. Flamethrowintexan, a 5-year-old from the barn of trainer Jim Penney, won 4 of 6 starts last year, including the 1 1/8-mile Mt. Rainier Breeders' Cup Handicap over this track and the 1 1/8-mile Sir Winston Churchill Handicap at Hastings. For his career, Flamethrowintexan has won 12 of 20 starts and almost $500,000.

Norm's Nephew poses a legitimate threat to the top two off his troubled third-place effort in the FSN, which was his first start against older horses. Norm's Nephew, a son of Jazzing Around trained by Jim Orr, won 4 of 8 starts last year en route to being named the meet's top 3-year-old. He will carry 117 pounds with regular rider Kevin Krigger up.

The field also includes multiple stakes winners R. Associate, Demon Warlock, and Flying Notes. Allowance winner Wasserman completes the field of seven.

* Emerald Downs 10th anniversary hats will be handed out with paid admission to all fans who attend Sunday's Father's Day program.

* Father's Day will also mark the beginning of Sound Transit Family Days at Emerald Downs. Among the free activities in the track's park area from noon to 4 p.m. will be the moonwalk, pony rides, face painters, and interactive rides. Family Days will continue each Sunday through Sept. 3.