Mike Man's Gold vs. Emmett Park in sprint showdown

Mike Man’s Gold will try to start another winning streak when he runs in a $40,000 optional-claiming race at Emerald Downs on Sunday.

The horse he must beat is Emmett Park, who will try to extend his three-win streak. They stand out in the 6 1/2-furlong dash, which drew five horses.

Mike Man’s Gold, trained by Joe Toye, should be favored. He had the lead at every call in all four wins in his streak, which ended with a third-place finish behind Mach One Rules in the $50,000 Muckleshoot Tribal Classic on Aug. 27. Mach One Rules was coming off a runner-up finish in the Grade 3, $200,000 Longacres Mile, and is a leading candidate for local Horse of the Year.

Mike Man’s Gold’s last win came by 3 1/2 lengths in a $40,000 optional-claiming race Aug. 5.

Mike Man’s Gold is just about impossible to get past if he makes the lead, but he has won from a stalking position. He was eased off the pace in the 1 1/16-mile Classic, and he had to check when he got bumped by the winner at the five-eighths pole.

He drew inside the other speed, Blame It On Royce, so it will be interesting to see how leading rider Rocco Bowen plays his hand aboard Mike Man’s Gold after they break from post 2.

In his last start Emmett Park looked hopelessly beaten at the top of the stretch in the $25,000 Pete Pedersen at Emerald. However, with the leaders faltering after posting wicked early fractions, he finished with a rush to edge Candy Ruby by three-quarters of a length in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint.

Emmet Park is trained by Blaine Wright. He also trains Blame It On Royce, who finished third after forcing the quick pace set by Candy Ruby in the Pedersen.

Emmet Park breaks from the rail under Kevin Orozco. Julien Couton retains the mount on Blame It On Royce, who drew the outside post.

KEY CONTENDERS

Mike Man’s Gold, by Liberty Gold

Last 3 Beyers: 81-85-82

◗ He is back doing what he does best – sprinting. He will receive pace pressure from Blame It On Royce, but the 16-time winner is capable of running hooked.

Emmett Park, by Bob and John

Last 3 Beyers: 78-87-87

◗ He hasn’t lost at Emerald, and he went into the Pedersen with back-to-back wins at this level.

◗ With a fast and contested pace expected, the shape of the race should work in his favor. It should be a fun race to watch.