Form points to Take My Heart

AUBURN, Wash. - Most every variety of handicapper will find something to like in Thursday's featured seventh race at Emerald Downs, a six-furlong sprint for $12,500 3-year-olds with an intriguing cast of eight.

Handicappers drawn to sharp current form might not go any further than Take My Heart, who will be stepping up after authoritative back-to-back wins over $6,250 and $8,000 company in his first start for trainer Mark Molina, who claimed him out of his last start for owners Jerry Carmody and James Murphy.

There are two other last-out winners in the field. Weave It to Me came from just off the pace to defeat $6,250 rivals on June 27, and Long On Pride led throughout to defeat $8,000 foes with 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17.40 on July 4.

Though he finished fifth to Take My Heart in a previous outing, Long On Pride earned a 70 Beyer - the best last-out figure in the field - in his most recent start, and seems likely to attract supporters on that basis.

Two others, A Rack of Bengies and Briar Knight, finished within a half-length of the winner when third and fourth, respectively, in a 6 1/2-furlong race for $12,500 claimers on July 4. Both were strongly backed that day and did little to discourage their supporters.

Another pair, Sea Tac Jet and Beef'n Brew, will be dropping from the $16,000 level after mid-pack finishes in a race the former may have needed.

Beef'n Brew also has reason to improve, as he broke slowly from the rail post and raced in tight quarters early.

A final entrant, West Seattle Boy, drops from the $25,000 level.

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