Only one has edge of recency

AUBURN, Wash. - An evenly matched field of six older fillies and mares will vie at 5 1/2 furlongs in Friday's feature at Emerald Downs, for $25,000 claimers.

Time for Magic is the only entrant with a recent race under her girth and may have a slight advantage on that account. Time for Magic, a 4-year-old daughter of Pentelicus from the barn of trainer Robbie Baze, came out on April 16 and ran an even fifth behind Marva Jean in a $40,000 optional claiming event at 5 1/2 furlongs. Time for Magic defeated $25,000 3-year-old fillies going 5 1/2 furlongs at last year's meeting, and she placed in a pair of stakes at one mile. Ben Russell will ride.

Sassy Little Sarah appears to be the one to catch. A 5-year-old, Sassy Little Sarah posted a trio of front-running sprint wins at last year's meeting, including a victory over $25,000 competition at 6 1/2 furlongs. She will be making her first start for trainer Mark Rheinford, who claimed her for owner Jim Carlin in her last outing at Golden Gate in November.

Also dangerous is Perfect Plan, who returns as a 6-year-old for trainer Bud Klokstad. Perfect Plan, a daughter of Game Plan, defeated $25,000 starter allowance company here last September when she got six furlongs in an extremely rapid 1:08.40. Perfect Plan has not been out since going unplaced in a mile turf race at Bay Meadows last October.

Touchabull, Zairsaplan, and L G's Gold will round out the compact field.