Maevid gets a bit more distance

AUBURN, Wash. - Maevid looms as the one to beat in Friday's Emerald Downs feature, a 6 1/2-furlong race for $17,500 fillies and mares that has drawn a field of six.

Maevid, a 4-year-old daughter of Matricule from the barn of trainer Bob Meeking, has run second at the same level in both her starts at the meet. She was beaten 2o3/4 lengths by Victory Script racing 5 1/2 furlongs on April 28 and 2 1/2 lengths by Sendipity at six furlongs on May 20. Maevid finished strongly in both of those races and would seem likely to appreciate the additional sixteenth on Friday. Leslie Mawing has the call to ride.

Maevid might get her sternest opposition from Strayed, a 4-year-old daughter of Captain Collins who is coming off a powerhouse win over $7,500 rivals on May 11. Strayed came from fifth place to win, drawing away by more than six lengths in 1:10 for six furlongs, and the Beyer Speed Figure of 61 she earned ranks as the best last-race number in the field. Strayed, a half-sister to stakes horses Streets of Laredo, Red River Valley, Blue Yodel, and Blowin in the Wind, has been something of an underachiever through 13 starts to date, but trainer Dave Forster seems to have her going in the right direction. Ricky Frazier will ride.

Also a threat is Irish Ferry, who will be returning to Emerald Downs after a successful campaign at Turf Paradise. Irish Ferry, a 4-year-old by Brahms, won 1 of 4 starts this year at Turf Paradise, with her win coming in a $10,000 claiming event at a mile.