Maevid has right style: Stalk-and-go

AUBURN, Wash. - A field of seven 2-year-old fillies, six of whom coming off a maiden win, will shoot for a second career victory in Friday's 5 1/2-furlong feature at Emerald Downs. The race is for horses eligible to be claimed for $15,000 or $12,500.

Finding a favorite won't be easy in the field of lightly raced runners, but Maevid seems a likely candidate after posting a smart win over $12,500 maidens in her last outing on Sept. 12. Maevid, a daughter of Matricule trained by Bob Meeking, came from off the pace to score by three-quarters of a length in 1:04.60 for 5 1/2 furlongs in her fourth career start. She returned to post a bullet half-mile drill in 47.80 a week ago, and her ability to rate and finish should be an advantage in a field with several front-runners.

The quickest of the quick might be Thatsthewayluvgoes, who led throughout five furlongs in 59.20 in her Sept. 26 debut against $12,500 maidens. Thatsthewayluv-goes, a daughter of Tough Knight from the barn of trainer Robbie Baze, has speed to either side of her in the form of Lil Susi Beefcakes and Favorite Jewel, but she broke like a shot in her debut and figures to have ample room for improvement in only her second start.

Also dangerous is Tahoe Bell, who is the other undefeated runner in the field. Tahoe Bell, a Rosie Simpkins-trained daughter of Tahoe City, overcame a slow start and a wide trip to win her 4 1/2-furlong debut over $7,500 maidens in 52.80 on Sept. 9.