'Hawkeye' can turn tables

AUBURN, Wash. - Friday's second leg of the Harley Hoppe and Associates Marathon Series at 1 1/4 miles will have the look of a rematch, with the top three finishers from the initial nine-furlong leg returning. Five others join the fray at Emerald Downs for the race run under $10,000 starter allowance conditions.

Pride of Ownership was the upset winner of the first installment of this year's marathon series on July 18, coming from far back to edge S. S. Hawkeye in 1:50 for 1 1/8 miles. The favored Market Master held third after dueling for the early advantage through rapid fractions.

Dismissed at 19-1, Pride of Ownership scored under Scott Saito at 116 pounds. Trainer Rick Terry has again named Saito to ride, but Pride of Onwership will carry 120 pounds this time.

That could give the edge on Friday to S. S. Hawkeye, who was beaten only a half-length by Pride of Ownership while carrying

119 pounds. S. S. Hawkeye, a 7-year-old from the barn of Dan Markle, has been assigned 116 pounds. Gallyn Mitchell rides.

Market Master also has a 116-pound assignment, the same weight he carried in the initial leg of the series, and the front-runner may be able to get away with softer splits Friday. Last time out, Market Master was pushed through a half-mile in 45.80 seconds by Rattlesnake Ridge, who was not entered for Friday.

Big Mig will join the series after prepping with an encouraging third in a nine-furlong race at Hastings Park July 13. The marathon specialist improves with distance and poses a potent threat under Gary Baze at 116 pounds.