Impressive debut win points out Sea Basket

It is never easy facing winners for the first time, but considering the impressive manner in which Sea Basket won her debut, she could be up to the task when she runs in a first-level allowance race for 3-year-old fillies Saturday at Emerald Downs. The 5 1/2-furlong sprint carries a $25,000 claiming option and drew six horses.

Despite having to break from the rail, which can be intimidating for a first-time starter, Sea Basket was sent off as the favorite when she ran in a $25,000 maiden-claiming race May 12. The Charles Essex-trained Washington-bred broke flat-footed in the 5 1/2-furlong dash. However, she recovered quickly, and with Rocco Bowen riding it didn’t take her long to make the lead. She held a half-length advantage while posting a quarter-mile time of 22.13 seconds and then drew off in the stretch to win by 4 1/2 lengths.

The 63 Beyer Speed Figures is easily the best in the field Saturday, and Sea Basket is certainly eligible to improve with a race behind her.

She will break from post 4 with Bowen retaining the mount.

“She’s pretty fast, and I expect her to break a lot better this time,” Essex said. “She has sat off horses in the mornings, so If another horse gets the jump on her she should be okay.”

Frisky Bear, the only horse in the field with more than a single win, came from a stalking position to win a $25,000 claiming race for nonwinners of two May 18. That was the second start at the meet for Frisky Bear, who is trained by Frank Lucarelli.

Austin Solis will be aboard Frisky Bear when she breaks from post 5. Julien Couton rode Frisky Bear in her last start, but will ride Assemble on Saturday for trainer Blaine Wright.

KEY CONTENDERS

Sea Basket, by Coast Guard

Beyer: 63

◗ She was very impressive winning her debut, and with a sharp interim work May 28 she could be sitting on another big effort.

◗ Essex is off to a slow start at the meet, but the past two years 23 percent of his starters have won at Emerald, so he should start heating up soon.

Frisky Bear, by Nationhood

Last 3 Beyers: 48-44-55

◗ She was stakes placed last year and looked good winning her latest.

◗ She could be sitting on a peak performance in the third start of her form cycle and could get the trip if Sea Basket and Oh Yes I Did hook up early.

Assemble, by Bodemeister

Last 3 Beyers: 40-50-40

◗ She should move forward after finishing just behind Frisky Bear in a $25,000 optional-claiming race with first-level allowance conditions in her only start this year on May 5.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: The past five years at Emerald, Wright has a 29 percent strike rate with horses making their second start following a layoff.