Parkers Delight goes for fourth straight win

The 4-year-old filly Parkers Delight will try to win her fourth straight race when she runs in an optional $25,000 claiming race at Emerald Downs on Saturday night. Standing in her way are a couple of sophomore fillies, Three Forks Gold and Close the Show Lo, who are coming off sharp wins in maiden special weight races. Dance With Effie, a seven-length winner in a $15,000 claiming race for trainer Candi Tollett, is another possible roadblock.

The six-furlong sprint for fillies and mares drew eight horses and goes as race 7 on an eight-race card that begins at 6:30 p.m. Pacific.

Parkers Delight will be making her first start for trainer Frank Lucarelli. Acting on behalf of Michael Pollowitz and Jeffrey Wilson, Lucarelli haltered Parkers Delight out of her latest win in a $15,000 conditional-claiming race June 25. Similar to her score in an open $10,000 claimer June 12, Parkers Delight sat just off the speed before drawing off to win decisively. She was particularly impressive in her latest race, handily winning by 4 3/4 lengths.

She drew post No. 5 with Jose Zunino retaining the mount.

Three Forks Gold took a big step forward in her fourth start for trainer Rosie Simpkins, and the 80 Beyer Speed Figure she earned for her 5 1/4-length win going six furlongs over Listo on June 25 is the highest in this field.

Close the Show Lo is also lightly raced, with just three starts. Trained by Terry Gillihan, she forced the issue early before drawing off to beat Listo by 4 3/4 lengths on July 10.

KEY CONTENDERS

Parkers Delight, by Parkers Storm

Last 3 Beyers: 66-72-62

◗ The versatile filly is undefeated this year and should get a nice trip stalking what figures to be a fast and contested pace.

Three Forks Gold, by Abraaj

Last 3 Beyers: 80-66-51

◗ This is a big step up in class, but she was very impressive in winning her latest, and her best races could be in front of her.

Close the Show Lo, by Pure Prize

Last 3 Beyers: 70-50-55

◗ She improved dramatically in her last race, and being a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Harvard Avenue, she could have plenty of potential.

Dance With Effie, by Chhaya Dance

Last 3 Beyers: 78-55-62

◗ She romped in the slop in her latest and could be dangerous if she clears early. Leading rider Rocco Bowen picks up the mount from Juan Gutierrez, who sticks with Citizen Kitty.

Citizen Kitty, by Proud Citizen.

Last 3 Beyers: 61-72-71

◗ Trained by Jeff Metz, Citizen Kitty is coming off a front-running win in a $25,000 claiming race June 24.