Mukilteo Smoke steps up

AUBURN, Wash. - Mukilteo Smoke, an impressive winner in restricted $12,500 company when last seen on May 9, will attempt to win again while stepping up to the open $16,000 level in Saturday's 6 1/2-furlong feature for older fillies and mares at Emerald Downs.

Mukilteo Smoke was claimed for $12,500 out of her 5-year-old debut on April 25 by trainer Len Kasmerski. Though she ran poorly that day, finishing ninth, Kasmerski entered her right back at the same level and saw her lead at every pole en route to a 2 1/2-length score in 1:10.40 for six furlongs. Mukilteo Smoke appears to be the speed of her field on Saturday and again figures to make her rivals play catch-up.

Mukilteo Smoke may get her sternest challenge from Skylar May, who is coming off a good second to win machine Rightbyu when racing six furlongs under Saturday's conditions on May 26. As usual, the 7-year-old Skylar May was closing strongly at the finish in that contest and she should make good use of the additional sixteenth on Saturday.

Also dangerous is Amazing Sue, who is dropping from the $25,000 level after running fourth and then third in her first two starts of the year.

UW and WSU to renew rivalry

Emerald Downs will present it's annual Rivaly Day on Saturday, when representatives of the University of Washington and Washington State University will vie for points in a mascot dash, a football toss, and a VIP handicapping competition. Fans wearing UW or WSU apparel will be admitted to the races for $1, and the Husky and Cougar alumni bands will play throughout the day.