Frisky Bear has a shot to catch Iknowyourface in Friday sprint

Iknowyourface will likely be an underlay when she runs Friday at Emerald Downs in a $25,000 claiming race for 3-year-old fillies that haven’t won two races.

The 62 Beyer Speed Figure she received for her blowout win in an $8,000 maiden claimer in her first start for trainer David Martinez is easily the best among the eight horses entered in the 5 1/2-furlong dash. She’s also had two sharp interim works, so nobody should be shocked if handles the jump in class. However, the price probably won’t be attractive and Frisky Bear might be a better option.

Trained by Frank Lucarelli, Frisky Bear won her 2-year-old debut in a $25,000 maiden-claiming race Aug. 4 and then was the runner-up to the local juvenile filly champion Bella Mia in the Washington Cup Juvenile Fillies. After finishing fifth going 1 1/16 miles against the boys in the $95,000 Gottstein Futurity on Sept. 24, she resurfaced in $25,000 optional-claiming race with first-level allowance conditions May 5.

Her fourth-place finish was a better performance than it looks on paper. She broke with her head in the air, and after looking on the turn like she might do some damage, she hung.

She could take a big step forward with a race behind her. In the past five years at Emerald, Lucarelli has a 21 percent strike rate with horses making their second start following a layoff.

KEY CONTENDERS

Iknowyourface, by Trickey Trevor

Beyers: 62-25

◗ That was an impressive performance in her first start this year, and she might be good enough to win right back. However, the water is a lot deeper in this spot and it is hard to say how she will handle being looked in the eye right from the start.

◗ She will break from post 7 with David Martin retaining the mount.

Frisky Bear, by Nationhood

Last 3 Beyers: 44-55-55

◗ If she can break sharply from the inside post with Julien Couton riding, she could get a nice trip stalking what should be an honest and contested pace.

Allotment, by Liason

Last 3 Beyers: 35-41-23

◗ She showed good speed in all four of her races, all at Hastings for trainer Phil Hall last year, and she appears to be primed for a big effort by Blaine Wright, who was the leading trainer at Emerald in 2016 and 2017.

Shopping Tizzy, by Trappe Shot

Last 3 Beyers: 28-30-31

◗ Trained by Tom Wenzel, she will need to have improved as she makes her first start at 3. That’s not impossible, and she can close.

Bella Blaze, by Afleet Alex

Beyer: 44

◗ She was an easy front-running winner in her only start, a $15,000 maiden-claiming race for trainer Doris Harwood on July 22.