Hard to go against Fooled Again at this level, distance

Fooled Again will be a short price to win a $10,000 claiming race that serves as Friday night’s feature at Emerald Downs. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up drew 10 horses and goes as race 6 on a seven-race card that begins at 6:30 p.m. Pacific.

Fooled Again has been favored in all six of his starts at the meet, four of which he won. He is going for the hat trick after winning back-to-back races at the same price and distance. In fact, in four starts going 6 1/2 furlongs, he has yet to lose.

His last two wins came for trainer Jeff Metz, who claimed him from trainer Blaine Wright out of a winning race for $10,000 on June 5. In his first start for Metz, Fooled Again forced a fast pace before finishing seventh in a $25,000 conditional claimer going six furlongs on July 3.

The 4-year-old Fooled Again is a tough horse to beat when he gets his head in front early. Unless Ready Set Jet finds some of the speed he had last year, Fooled Again should have an easy time making the lead after he breaks from post 3 with Juan Gutierrez retaining the mount.

Race 6

KEY CONTENDERS

Fooled Again, by Scat Daddy

Last 3 Beyers: 78-84-56

◗ He recovered quickly after stumbling slightly at the start when he won his last race and should be a handful if he gets away without any mishaps. Catch him if you can.

Dare Me Devil, by Devil On Ice

Last 3 Beyers: 65-78-72

◗ Trained by Candi Tollett, he came from well back to win a $10,000 claiming race going 6 1/2 furlongs on Aug. 5, and he had to steady at the sixteenth pole in Fooled Again’s latest win.

◗ With 18 wins and $182,525 in earnings, this 8-year-old Washington-bred certainly knows how to win races.

Perfect Night, by Cahill Road

Last 3 Beyers: 74-78-59

◗ After waiting for running room, he slipped through along the rail and made the lead at the eighth pole before Fooled Again drew off from him on Aug. 19.

◗ Trained by Howard Belvoir, he is a bit win shy, with just three wins from 30 starts, and is better used underneath than on top.

Surfliner, by Silver Train

Last 3 Beyers: 72-64-57

◗ Trained by Steve Koler, he could be sitting on a peak effort after finishing third to Fooled Again in his first two starts at the meet. He does his best running late, however, so he is going to need some help up front to beat the favorite.