Mike Man's Gold has class edge in sprint

Mike Man’s Gold will try to win his 10 race at Emerald Downs when he runs in a $15,000 claiming race that serves as Friday’s feature. He certainly looks like the horse to beat in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up that drew eight horses and goes as race 6. Post time for the first of seven races is 6:30 p.m. Pacific.

Mike Man’s Gold won a $10,000 claiming race going six furlongs in his first start this year and was claimed out of the race by trainer Mike Metz, acting on behalf of Kelly Dougan and Brett Brophy. The classy 6-year-old should be able to handle the jump in price. A stakes winner, he won an optional $40,000 claiming race in his first start last year before having a hard time keeping up in three straight stakes.

After getting waxed by Grade 3 Longacres Miles winner Stryker Phd in the Mount Rainier, Mike Man’s Gold finished third in a $32,000 claiming race at Del Mar on Aug. 22. He returned to Emerald, where he went unplaced in the restricted Chinook Pass before closing out the meet with a runner-up finish in a $25,000 claiming race Sept. 26.

Mike Man’s Gold is versatile, and with plenty of potential speed in the field, jockey Rocco Bowen should be able to work out a winning trip after he breaks from the inside post.

Speed will be provided by Ready Set Jet, Betsy’s Gold, and Wups, who is also trained by Metz.

KEY CONTENDERS

Mike Man’s Gold, by Liberty Gold

Last 3 Beyers: 65-75-68

◗ He holds a distinct class edge over his rivals, and with a confidence-building win behind him, he could be ready for a big effort in his second start back.

Wups, by Petionville

Last 3 Beyers: 71-64-60

◗ Trained by Jack McCartney, the 7-year-old Kentucky-bred is coming off back-to-back third-place finishes at this level and could get a nice trip stalking what figures to be a fast and contested pace.

Wine At Nine, by Divine Park

Last 3 Beyers: 69-55-51

◗ The Mark Gibson trained 4-year-old is taking a big step up in class after winning a $3,500 claiming race in his second start at the meet. Nonetheless, he has the right style for the likely shape of the race, and the 69 Beyer Speed Figure he received for his sharp win would put him in the mix.

◗ He could be sitting on a peak effort in the third start of his form cycle.