Go Devil Go challenges older field

AUBURN, Wash. - Three-year-old Go Devil Go will take on older rivals in Friday's Emerald Downs feature, a 6 1/2-furlong test for $25,000 optional claiming company that has drawn a field of 10.

Go Devil Go, a half-brother to stakes star Willie the Cat by Demons Begone, will be making just his third career start on Friday. He ran second to maiden special weight company in his five-furlong debut on April 24, then came back on June 4 to lead throughout 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:16.60, racing at the same level. Go Devil Go, who is trained by Grant Forster, will get in under 113 pounds with Ben Russell riding.

Go Devil Go figures to get his sternest challenge from the tough 7-year-old, Full Force Gale, who is one of three eligible to be claimed in the feature. Full Force Gale is coming off a sharp win over Thunzarr on May 28, when he covered six furlongs in 1:09.20 while racing for a $20,000 claiming price. That broke a four-race win streak by Thunzarr, who flattered Full Force Gale by returning to defeat $16,000 sprinters here last Sunday. Full Force Gale is trained by Sharon Ross and will be ridden by Debbie Hoonan at 119 pounds.

Also dangerous is Star of Elttaes, a stakes winner last winter at Portland Meadows who ran second against $25,000 optional claiming foes in his meeting debut on May 20.

Jockey Kevin Krigger will return to Emerald Downs Friday. Krigger won aboard three of his 22 mounts in a brief stint here last season. Krigger has mounts in seven of Friday's eight races, including his assignment aboard Call Columbo in the feature.