Mike Man's Gold seeking first win at a mile

Mike Man’s Gold won the last three times he was in for a tag and looks like the one to beat in a $15,000 claiming race that will be featured at Emerald Downs on Saturday evening.

The one-mile race for 3-year-olds and up drew six horses and goes as race 6 on an eight-race card that begins at 6:30 p.m. Pacific.

Mike Man’s Gold came from a stalking position to win a $15,000 claiming race going six furlongs for trainer Joe Toye on July 9, and he should get a similar trip Saturday. He will be racing for trainer Jeff Metz, who claimed him on behalf of Kelly Dougan and Brett Brophy. Toye had claimed Mike Man’s Gold off them for the same price out of a race he won by 11 1/2 lengths May 13.

He was ambitiously placed in his first start for Toye but was overmatched by O B Harbor in the $50,000 Governor’s on May 22. Coming back to reality in his latest start, he was an easy 5 3/4-length winner over Dare Me Devil, who has also been entered by trainer Candi Tollett.

Mike Man’s Gold has never won at the distance, but all five of his attempts came in stakes races. He did win the $50,000 Muckleshoot Tribal Classic going 1 1/16 miles in 2014, so he shouldn’t have any trouble with the added distance.

Leslie Mawing picks up the mount from leading rider Rocco Bowen.

The main threat is Man of Stature, who is coming off a solid third-place finish at a mile in a $25,000 claiming race June 26 for trainer Mike Puhich.

KEY CONTENDERS

Mike Man’s Gold, by Liberty Gold

Last 3 Beyers: 82-76-82

◗ He hits pretty hard at this level and is versatile, so he can either stalk or, if he breaks on top, could be the one they have to catch. There is other potential speed in the field, however, so more than likely, Mawing will put him in a stalking position after he breaks from post No. 5.

Man of Stature, by My Golden Song

Last 3 Beyers: 84-73-78

◗ He is coming off another solid effort, but the difference between him and Mike Man’s Gold is their affinity for winning races. Man of Stature has just four wins from 28 starts, while Mike Man’s Gold has compiled an enviable 11-4-4 record from 32 races.

Step On the Gas, by City Zip

Last 3 Beyers: 82-72-61

◗ Trained by Blaine Wright, he came up a head short in a $10,000 claiming race at Golden Gate Fields on June 11 and could be dangerous if he clears early.