Nine looks like a nice number

AUBURN, Wash. - There were audible sighs of relief when only nine 2-year-old fillies were entered for Sunday's five-furlong, $35,000 Pierce County Stakes at Emerald Downs.

Sixteen were nominated for the race and all but a couple were planning - or hoping - to run at midweek. The Pierce County is limited to 12 starters, with preference based on earnings, but that seemed too many to those who were assured a spot in the gate and too few to those fearing

exclusion.

With just nine entered, everybody is happy. The field of inexperienced juveniles will be kept to a manageable size, and all who want to run will get their chance at added money and black type.

The field was pared by two when trainer Dave Bennett, who had nominated four, elected to enter only two. The entry remains potent, as it is comprised of Freedom March, one of only two winners in the lineup, and Sassy N Slew, one of only three entrants with more than one race. Freedom March won her only start on the maiden $12,500 level. Sassy N Slew ran fifth for a $40,000 tag before finishing third against $25,000 company.

Touchabull, who is the Pierce County's other winner, is another entrant with two starts. She ran fourth to $25,000 males before graduating against fillies on the same level on May 18, the same day Freedom March won. Freedom March earned a 58 Beyer Figure. Touchabull got a 51.

The only other starter in the field is Fourlitefeet, whose best race is a third at the maiden $12,500 level.