'M V P' drops in for home debut

AUBURN, Wash. - Bound to Be M V P will make his first start in his home state Saturday, when he heads a talented field of five in the Emerald Downs feature, a six-furlong sprint for $40,000 optional claiming company.

One of two 3-year-olds in the field, Bound to Be M V P won all three of his starts last year, including the Ladnesian Stakes, for trainer Brian Giesbrecht at Hastings Park.

Shipped to trainer Patrick Gallagher's barn at Santa Anita to launch his 3-year-old campaign, Bound to Be M V P finished third to sprint star Too Much Bling and Kentucky Derby entrant Cause to Believe in the six-furlong San Miguel Stakes in January. He then finished fifth to Too Much Bling in the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes at seven furlongs in February.

Bound to Be M V P has not raced since the San Vicente, but has trained forwardly at Hastings. Local trainer Vince Gibson will saddle Bound to Be M V P, who will be ridden by Gallyn Mitchell at 115 pounds.

Bound to Be M V P figures to be thoroughly tested by Westsideclyde, who is coming off a 4 1/2-length win over $25,000 optional claimers here July 23. Ridden by Ben Russell, Westsideclyde got six furlongs in 1:08. It was the third win from six starts for Westsideclyde, who will again be ridden by Russell at 124 pounds.

Packy, Processor, and Tusko T, the other 3-year-old, will complete the compact field.