'Pistol' should get nice setup

AUBURN, Wash. - Hard-working claiming runners will get their due on Thursday when the filly and mare division of the Stanislaw Ashbaugh Series, which offers enhanced purses for $3,200 starter allowance company, is renewed at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Rchrystalsapistol looms as the one to beat off her sharp current form. Rchrystalsapistol, a 5-year-old daughter of Raising Hill from the barn of trainer Roy Lumm, has won her last two outings. She was a five-length winner over $3,200 rivals on May 13, then came back to edge $4,000 company last time out on May 31. While both of those races were at six furlongs, the late-running Rchrystalsapistol figures to be at least as tough with an additional sixteenth.

The probable favorite, Rchrystalsapistol should have a lively pace to target with two or possibly three front-runners in the field. Warlago and Lefa Theda have been on the lead in almost all of their races, while Cortina is coming off a wire-to-wire victory over $3,200 rivals in a 6 1/2-furlong race on June 4.

Rounding out the field of seven are Impressionable One, Maranella, and Tea Basket.

Sharing the spotlight with the Stanislaw Ashbaugh race on Thursday is a six-furlong, $12,500 starter allowance for older runners that has drawn a field of five.

The co-feature will match Right You Are, a 6 1/2-length winner over $14,000 claiming company on June 5, against Badger K. Eli, who won the six-furlong Chinook Pass Handicap here last season. Badger K. Eli is dropping sharply in an attempt to regain his winning stride after three poor showings against better.