Hawk set to fly again after illness

AUBURN, Wash. - Kenny Hawk will be the one to beat Saturday when he heads a bulky field of 11 2-year-olds in the $40,000 colt and gelding division of the Northwest Stallion Stakes at Emerald Downs.

The 6 1/2-furlong stakes, which is restricted to juveniles whose sires were duly nominated in the year of their conception, will go as the ninth of 10 live races set to start at 1 p.m.

Kenny Hawk rates as the favorite off his late-running score in the five-furlong Captain Condo Stakes on June 16, when he got the distance in 58.30 seconds. That was his second win in as many starts, but he has not raced since because of illness. Now fully recovered and training well for trainer Frank Lucarelli, Kenny Hawk will be ridden by regular partner Lorenzo Lopez at 120 pounds.

Among Kenny Hawk's most formidable challengers are Blameitontherain and Take My Heart, who had the misfortune to draw the 11 and 10 slots in the gate, respectively. Blameitontherain is still a maiden after two starts, but closed with a rush to get second behind Melcapwalker in the six-furlong Emerald Express Stakes on July 14 and should appreciate the added yardage. Take My Heart is coming off an impressive win over $25,000 maidens on July 19, when he ran 5 1/2 furlongs in a quick 1:04.60.

Also dangerous is Slew of the Night, who led throughout 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04.40 to down maiden special weight company.

- The Washington Horse Racing Commission is slated to meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the city council chambers at Auburn City Hall.