Mister Breeze's versatility gets test in sprint feature

Mister Breeze should appreciate the shape of the field in a $25,000 conditional-claiming race that will serve as Sunday’s feature at Emerald Downs. The six-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up drew eight horses, and most will want the lead.

Trained by Alan Bozell throughout his career, Mister Breeze is versatile. In his first start this year, he dueled through honest fractions on his way to a half-length win over Solemnly Swear in an open $10,000 claimer April 21.

In his next start for the same condition as Sunday’s race, the nine-time winner was last early, partly due to his getting bumped soon after leaving the starting gate. While he was biding his time, three horses, including the heavily favored Swingshift Deputy, who is also entered here, were dueling through wicked fractions of 21.20 and 42.90 seconds in the six-furlong dash. Not surprisingly, the first three early were the last three to cross the wire. Oh Marvelous Me came from a stalking position to win decisively; Mister Breeze rallied to finish second.

With Capital Expense, who held the lead at the half-mile call in the above-mentioned race, and Swingshift Deputy in the field, there should be a hot pace again. The versatility of Mister Breeze makes him the one to beat.

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Mister Breeze drew the rail, with Natasha Coddington retaining the mount.

Swingshift Deputy isn’t the most consistent horse around, but if he brings his best stuff, he’s the winner. Trained by Frank Lucarelli, the 5-year-old Washington-bred got fried in his latest but dueled through similar fractions when he was the runner-up to Party Pooper in a $20,000, open claiming race in his previous start.

He drew the outside post; if he breaks on top with Isaias Enriquez riding, he could be gone.

KEY CONTENDERS

Mister Breeze, by Hampton Bay

Last 3 Beyers: 72-68-63

◗ He can stalk, and if he can stay in touch early, he could be a handful late.

Swingshift Deputy, by Ministers Wild Cat

Last 3 Beyers: 52-86-59

◗ It is possible that he bounced after posting a career-best 86 Beyer Speed Figure in his previous race and could make amends here.

◗ It is also possible that Capital Expense, who didn’t have many options after breaking from the rail last time, will try to sit just off of him. If that happens, he could be tough to reel in.

Say Neigh, by Council Member

Last 3 Beyers: 58-68-55

◗ An improving 4-year-old for trainer Larry Ross, he’s going for the hat trick and could get a perfect trip from a stalking position.

Barasso, by Abraaj

Last 3 Beyers: 60-31-9

◗ The lone sophomore in the field was making just the third start of his career and his first this year when he won a $15,000 non-winners-of-two race for 3-year-olds on April 21.

◗ Being lightly raced, the Tom Wenzel trainee probably hasn’t run his best race yet.