Fooled Again returns to winning level

A $10,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds and up will serve as the featured race at Emerald Downs on Friday evening, and if the inconsistent Fooled Again shows up with his best stuff, he could be the winner of the 6 1/2-furlong sprint that drew nine horses.

Fooled Again was 6-5 when he romped at this level going 6 1/2 furlongs for trainer Blaine Wright on June 5. He was claimed out of the race by trainer Jeff Metz, and in his first start for Metz, he forced a quick pace before fading to finish last in a $25,000 conditional claimer July 3. It was the same type of performance he had for Wright in a similar race prior to his win June 5.

Fooled Again does his best running when he makes the lead, and he could be dangerous if he breaks on top from post 5 with Juan Gutierrez riding.

There is other speed, however, and Southern Solution could be dangerous from a stalking position.

Trained by Roy Lumm, Southern Solution took them all the way in a one-mile, $5,000 claiming race June 18 and again when he cut back to six furlongs and won an $8,000 claimer on July 8. The 6-year-old Southern Solution has won 11 times in his 34-race career at Emerald Downs and is reunited with Isaias Enriquez, who was aboard for five of his wins, including his sharp performance June 18.

Race 6

KEY CONTENDERS

Fooled Again, by Scat Daddy

Last 3 Beyers: 56-77-68

◗ He won, then finished well back, won again, and then finished last. If the trend continues, he is on track for another win, and he is back at the level of his latest score.

◗ In his last two wins, he received 77 Beyer Speed Figures. A similar number probably would be good enough for him to take home the major share in this spot.

Artic Vortex, by Indiana Charlie

Last 3 Beyers: 59-70-65

◗ Metz also entered Artic Vortex for the group that owns Fooled Again. He also has speed, so it will be interesting to see if they both start. Artic Vortex is coming off a fifth-place finish in Southern Solution’s latest win.

Southern Solution, by Southern Africa

Last 3 Beyers: 65-69-48

◗ He is on a roll, and with his good tactical speed, he could get a nice trip from a forward position.

Roman Boos, by Boos

Last 3 Beyers: 64-64-62

◗ Trained by Rick Schmidt, he ran out of racetrack when he was the runner-up to Southern Solution in his latest. With a fast and contested pace expected, he could get up in time with the right kind of trip.