Jebrica returns from long layoff in claiming sprint
Jebrica will be dropping to a new low when he makes his first start in more than a year in a $25,000 claiming race at Emerald Downs on Friday night. The six-furlong dash for 3-year-olds and up drew nine horses, and if Jebrica is on top of his game, he’s probably the winner of what appears to be a wide-open event.
That is a big if considering that the multiple stakes winner hasn’t raced since finishing 10th in last year’s Grade 3 Longacres Mile. It was Jebrica’s first start for trainer Michael Puhich, who claimed him out of a winning race for $50,000 on behalf of Mark Dedomenico and Glen Todd.
The 2011 Emerald Downs Derby winner is a better horse going longer, but he has been working well enough, and with plenty of speed in the field, he could pick up the pieces from a stalking position with Joe Steiner riding.
Spot of Salt took advantage of a hotly contested pace to win a similar race for trainer Sam Dronen on July 25. It was his second start this year, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him come back with another strong performance with Javier Matias retaining the mount.
The 7-year-old California-bred gelding has won half of his six starts at Emerald, and the only time he finished worse than third in Washington was in his first start this year.
Speed will be provided by Memphis Mobster, Gross Misconduct, Polish Dollar, and Parkers Bluff.
KEY CONTENDERS
Jebrica (Last 3 Beyers: 73-79-83)
◗ The class of the party may have tipped his hand when he worked a bullet three furlongs in 34.40 seconds Aug. 3.
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years, Puhich is 0 for 5 with horses making their first start after being away for a year or longer.
Spot of Salt (Last 3 Beyers: 79-67-80)
◗ It is hard not to like a horse who has won 17 times and rarely runs a bad race.
◗ He looked good winning his latest and should get a similar trip here.
Disruption (Last 3 Beyers: 79-71-51)
◗ Trained by Monique Snowden, he sat just off a quick pace before winning a $15,000 claiming race Aug. 14.
◗ He has back class, is trending in the right direction, and could get first crack at speed that doesn’t figure to last.
Polish Dollar (Last 3 Beyers: 63-77-67)
◗ The Bob Meeking trainee looked good winning a $25,000 optional-claiming sprint two back and won’t mind the cutback in distance after finishing fourth in a one-mile, $25,000 claiming race Aug. 8.