Papi Chullo on the fence for Mile

AUBURN, Wash. - A full field of 12 is in prospect for Sunday's 71st running of the Grade 3, $250,000 Longacres Mile, though it is not yet certain which 12 they will be.

The uncertainty is caused by the status of Papi Chullo, who could run either in Sunday's Grade 1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar or the Mile. If he does contest the Mile, Papi Chullo, who ran third in last month's Grade 2 San Diego Handicap, will reside in the barn of trainer Frank Lucarelli and will be ridden by either Robbie Albarado or Kevin Radke at 115 pounds.

The remainder of the Mile field appears set. Flamethrowintexan, who comes off a sharp win in the nine-furlong Mt. Rainier Breeders' Cup Handicap on July 30, will be the starting highweight at 120 pounds with regular rider Ricky Frazier up.

Next in the weights comes Southern California invader Southern Africa, who will be ridden by Russell Baze at 119 pounds, followed by last year's Mile runner-up, Quiet Cash (Chad Hoverson, 118 pounds), Governor's Handicap winner Starbird Road (Debbie Hoonan, 118), Alexandersrun (Kevin Krigger, 116), Grafton (Ken Tohill, 115), R. Associate (Ben Russell, 115), Norm's Nephew (114, Leslie Mawing), Royal Place (Anthony Ward, 114), Confidential Call (no rider, 113), and Don'twritemeoff (Gallyn Mitchell, 112).

Should Papi Chullo remain at Del Mar, there will be room in the gate for Luckyandsmart (Sandi Gann, 111).