Good fillies clash for fourth time in Oaks

AUBURN, Wash. - Enumclaw Girl and Elusive Horizon, who have traded lopsided decisions in three races at the current Emerald Downs meet, will face off for a fourth time in Sunday's 1 1/8-mile, $100,000 Washington Oaks for 3-year-old fillies.

Enumclaw Girl, trained by Rosie Simkins, won the six-furlong U. S. Bank Stakes and finished a close second in the 6 1/2-furlong Federal Way Handicap. Elusive Horizon was beaten 21 3/4 lengths and 10 3/4 lengths in those races. Enumclaw Girl went on to win the one-mile Irish Day Handicap before meeting Elusive Horizon most recently in the 1 1/16-mile Washington's Lottery Handicap on July 20.

Elusive Horizon, an Elusive Quality filly trained by Doris Harwood, turned the tables on Enumclaw Girl with a 6 1/2-length score in the Washington's Lottery. Sweetheart Deal finished second in that race, nearly a length in front of Enumclaw Girl. Before that stakes, Elusive Horizon came to hand with a 5 1/2-length allowance win at 6 1/2 furlongs on June 15.

Enumclaw Girl did have an excuse for her subpar effort in the Washington's Lottery. According to Simkins, she charged the gate before the start and opened a wound on her forehead.

"It seemed to daze her, and it certainly took her mind off running," Simkins said. "There was no lasting harm done, though. She never showed signs of a concussion, and she has come back to train well. I expect her to run back to her previous form."