Mike Man's Gold looks to cap big meet in optional claimer

Mike Man’s Gold will try to win his fifth race at the Emerald Downs meet when he runs in an optional $25,000 claiming race that headlines the 10-race card on Saturday. This will be the last weekend of racing at Emerald this year, with the $65,000 Gottstein Futurity featured on closing day, Sunday.

One of the horses Mike Man’s Gold will face Saturday is He’s Cagey, who is tied with Copy Begone for the most wins at Emerald this year with five. Mike Man’s Gold, trained by Joe Toye, likely will be favored in the 6 1/2-furlong dash, which drew 10 3-year-olds and up.

In his last start, Mike Man’s Gold dueled through honest fractions before losing by a neck to Party Pooper in a one-mile, $25,000 claiming race on Aug. 27. He has won going a middle distance, but nine of his 12 wins came sprinting, so he should appreciate the cutback in distance.

Leading rider Rocco Bowen retains the mount and likely will put Mike Man’s Gold into the race soon after he breaks from post 4.

He’s Cagey is coming off a 6 3/4-length romp going 1 1/16 miles in a $10,000 claiming race here on Sept. 4.

Trained by Blaine Wright, He’s Cagey has sprinted only three times in his 48-race career – the last time in 2014 – and he finished far back all three times. He set quick fractions in his latest race, however, and Wright has won with 28 percent of his starters at the meet.

KEY CONTENDERS

Mike Man’s Gold, by Liberty Gold

Last 3 Beyers: 83-79-78

◗ The versatile 6-year-old, who should be the controlling speed, was an easy winner the last time he went around one turn, which came in a $15,000 claiming race going six furlongs on July 9.

He’s Cagey, by Cause Ur Mine

Last 3 Beyers: 82-74-60

◗ He is a better horse going a middle distance, but he is very sharp right now, and with five wins from eight starts at Emerald, he clearly thrives over the local surface.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years at Emerald, Wright has a 33 percent strike rate with horses moving up in price by 50 percent or more after winning their last start.

Party Pooper, by Desert Party

Last 3 Beyers: 83-79-74

◗ With a 2-4-3 record from nine starts this year, the Hastings stakes winner is as honest as they come.

◗ Trained by Rigoberto Velasquez, he will have to work out a trip after he breaks from the inside post with Leonel Camacho-Flores retaining the mount.