Klokstad sends two vs. Gold Lad

AUBURN, Wash. - Gold Lad is the one to beat when he takes on seven other older horses going 6 1/2 furlongs in Friday's $10,200 feature at Emerald Downs, a $10,000 starter allowance race.

Gold Lad, a 4-year-old son of Gold Fever, was a prompt favorite in his Emerald Downs debut on July 17, scoring by a neck over Irishskysarsmiling in a $25,000 optional claiming event run in 1:09.80 for six furlongs. Before shipping to Emerald, Gold Lad had posted 4 wins from 16 starts in northern California. Leading trainer Tim McCanna has again given the mount to leading rider Kevin Krigger.

Gold Lad figures to be thoroughly tested by the Bud Klokstad-trained duo of Jumpingjupiter and Jumron Won, who will race as an entry. Jumpingjupiter defeated $20,000 company going 6 1/2 furlongs two races back, and prior to that he was beaten a neck by win machine Itstufftobegood under Friday's conditions. Jumron Won, a stakes winner, won both of his sprints at this meeting, over $10,000 and $15,000 competition.

Also dangerous is Prize Weaver, who won four races at last year's stand, including the five-furlong Owners Handicap on Longacres Mile Day. Prize Weaver has only a second from four starts at the current meet, but he has been knocking heads with many of the best sprinters on the grounds and should appreciate Friday's class relief.

Prize Weaver will be reunited with rider Ricky Frazier, who was up for two of his wins last year.