Lie and Deny will attempt to get back on track for new connections in Friday’s $10,000 starter-allowance feature over 6 1/2 furlongs at Emerald Downs. The son of Dialed In had his six-race Emerald win streak snapped earlier this month when he checked in sixth, beaten 5 1/4 lengths, in a $15,000 claiming race. Claimed that day by Rakoczy Racing LLC and Justin Evans, the gelding will make his first start under the care of Evans on Friday. The starter-allowance conditions afford the new connections a chance to assess their new purchase without worry of losing him to another claim. “Lie and Deny is a really nice horse who we really liked,” Evans said. “We were out-shook for him for $8,000, so we took our shot for $15,000. We’re excited about the race. It’s tough, but we like our chances.” Heading the opposition is another Evans trainee, Meant for Me, who has been solid at Friday’s level without winning. Kevin Krigger retains the mount aboard Meant for Me, while Karlo Lopez again rides Lie and Deny, now for the new connections. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. Elevado rates a chance in Friday’s feature as he recently finished third as the betting favorite at the same $10,000 starter-allowance level. The Hilario Perez trainee has raced at Emerald Downs on three occasions. On May 12, he stumbled at the start before racing evenly and checking in fourth, beaten three lengths, at the $25,000 claiming level. Returning for that tag on June 23, the son of Street Boss sat well behind a fast pace and flew home to miss by a half-length. Two weeks ago, on July 12, Elevado raced behind a moderate pace in a dash dominated by the front-running D K’s Crown, who won by 3 1/4 lengths. Elevado finished third, beaten four lengths, that day and the winner returned to win again nine days later. Just in front of Elevado at the finish on July 12 was Moonlightnwine, a Vince Gibson trainee who has now won three of his last five and will start from post 2 on Friday. Im Still Thirsty will be making his Emerald debut Friday for trainer Jason Homer. That gelding most recently finished a distant second at Prineville, a track in Oregon, behind Weston, who is an area sensation, having won his last 13 races in a row. Others in Friday’s field include Club Mesquite, recently fifth behind Moonlightnwine and Elevado at the same class level. Jack McCartney trains Club Mesquite. Mahi Mahi is a Valentin Garcia trainee who will be making just his third start of 2024. Awesome Move last raced and won June 16 for an $8,000 tag for trainer Tena Birdwell. Friday’s first race is at 7 p.m. Pacific and pleasant summer weather is anticipated. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.