Jerre to Carrie, Beau Rocket meet in wide-open allowance

There are eight horses entered in a first-level allowance race with a $30,000 claiming option that will serve as the featured race at Emerald Downs on Saturday. Put all their names in a hat, and the one you pull out has a good chance of winning the 6 1/2-furlong dash. It is that competitive.

The race for fillies and mares goes as race 7 on an eight-race card that begins at 2 p.m. Pacific.

Jerre to Carrie will be among the favorites. Trained by Kay Cooper, she rallied to win a six-furlong race at the same level May 11 and came back with a solid half-mile interim work. The 6-year-old Kentucky-bred will have an honest pace to work with, and she won’t mind the extra half-furlong she gets to work with. She will break from post 3 with Kevin Orozco riding.

Beau Rocket is the big question mark in the race. The Blaine Wright-trained 4-year-old was an easy winner when she debuted in a key maiden special weight race May 5. Breaking alertly with Franklin Ceballos aboard, she set honest fractions on her way to a two-length victory in the five-furlong sprint. The 75 Beyer she received is easily the best last-race figure in the field, and she has a right to improve with a race behind her.

KEY CONTENDERS

Jerre to Carrie, by Congrats
Last 3 Beyers: 68-62-54

◗ She has back class, is on top of her game, and the shape of the race should work for her.

Beau Rocket, by Heatseeker
Beyer: 75

◗ She was impressive in winning her debut, and all of her older siblings to race are multiple winners, most notably Mr. Takahashi, who has a 16-11-4 record from 44 starts.

◗ Ceballos bails to ride Risque’s Legacy. Ryan Barber picks up the mount.

Risque’s Legacy, by Atta Boy Roy
Last 3 Beyers: 68-54-59

◗ The 5-year-old Washington-bred improved in her first start for trainer Mike Puhich when she came from a stalking position to finish a head behind McDove and Gazing at this level May 19.

Brilliant Bird, by Einstein
Last 3 Beyers: 64-55-65

◗ Trained by Terry Gillihan, she was coming off a lengthy layoff when she finished third to Jerre to Carrie and should move forward in her second start back. The 4-year-old Washington-bred also appeared to be full of run when stuck on the rail behind horses for a good portion of the race.

McDove, by Proud Citizen
Last 3 Beyers: 69-65-47

◗ The Sharon Ross-trained 6-year-old took a step forward in her front-running victory over Gazing and Risque’s Legacy in her second start this year and is eligible to continue her progress here. She will have to deal with other speed, but she has won from a stalking position.