Forster trio big factor in feature

AUBURN, Wash. - Trainer Grant Forster will play a strong hand in Friday night's feature at Emerald Downs, a $40,000 optional claiming race for older horses at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Forster will saddle three in the field of eight, but they will race uncoupled because of separate ownership.

Go Devil Go might give Forster his best chance to win since he is coming off two strong efforts at the allowance level. Go Devil Go, a 4-year-old half-brother to 5 1/2-furlong world-record holder Willie the Cat, just failed to last in a 5 1/2-furlong race won by Call Columbo on April 16. But he came back to win at six furlongs in 1:09.80 on May 7.

Forster will also saddle No Giveaway, fifth to Salt Grinder in a six-furlong optional claiming race in his seasonal debut May 21, and Skyrider, who will be making his first start as a 4-year-old.

The Forster-trained trio will be tested by stakes winners Prize Weaver, Crimson Design, and Knightsbridge Road. Knightsbridge Road, a 5-year-old trained by Debbie Van Horne, has won two stakes and placed in nine others at Emerald Downs. In his last outing, Knightsbridge Road ran a strong second to Pool Boy in a six-furlong race for $32,000 optional claimers on May 1. Shortly after that race, Knightsbridge Road suffered superficial injuries when he got his leg over the arm of his hotwalker, but he signified his readiness to return with a half-mile drill in 46.60 seconds on June 10.

On the Ave and Diamond View round out the competitive field.