Mike Man's Gold the one to catch in Emerald feature

Mike Man’s Gold will be shooting for a hat track and going for the 15th win in his career when he runs in a $20,000 claiming race that will serve as Friday’s feature at Emerald Downs. The one-mile race for 3-year-olds and up drew seven horses, with Mike Man’s Gold clearly the one to catch and beat.

Trained by Joe Toye, Mike Man’s Gold used his substantial speed to win a $10,000 claiming race going six furlongs in his first start at the meet May 21. He was never really challenged while posting a quick final time of 1:08.12 over the fast track. The runner-up, Wine At Nine, and third-place finisher, Solemnly Swear, won their next starts, as did Mike Man’s Gold, who was all-out to beat Trick or Retreat by a nose going 6 1/2 furlongs in a $25,000 claiming race June 9.

Eleven of his wins have been in sprints, but he has a win going a mile. He also won the $50,000 Seattle Slew in 2013 and the $50,000 Muckleshoot Tribal Classic in 2014, both at 1 1/16 miles. The 93 Beyer he received for his win in the Muckleshoot is a career best.

Mike Man’s Gold drew the outside post, and there isn’t much doubt leading rider Rocco Bowen will put him on the lead if he breaks with the field.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Mike Man’s Gold, by Liberty Gold
Last 3 Beyers: 80-89-61

◗ The speed of the speed, his bullet 46-second half-mile work June 23 says he’s ready for another big effort for a trainer that is winning races at a 33 percent clip at the meet. Interestingly, but not relevant, is that Toye’s 14-5-7 record from 42 starts at the meet almost mirrors Mike Man’s Gold 14-5-5 record from 43 career starts.

Remembertobreathe, by D’wildcat
Last 3 Beyers: 70-64-82

◗ The 6-year-old Florida-bred returns to the West Coast following a productive spring on the other side of the country where he won back-to-back races at Penn National on April 14 and May 4. He was the runner-up in his last start going 1 1/16 miles in a $12,500 claiming race on June 14 at Presque Isle Downs.

◗ A two-time winner from seven starts at Emerald, he has good tactical speed and should get a cozy trip after breaking from the inside post with Julien Couton riding.

◗ His trainer, Robbie Baze, won three races at Emerald on Monday evening with Cat Camille ($10) and Vaquero Gold ($18.60) paying decent prices.

Archie Graham, by Grazen
Last 3 Beyers: 62-71-74

◗ Trained by Larry Ross, he will appreciate the move to a route after making a late move to finish fourth in his first start this year in a $10,000 claimer won by Solemnly Swear on May 29.

◗ A deep closer, he, along with the rest of the field, could be up against it if Mike Man’s Gold gets away on his own, which appears to be likely.