Prime Engine makes 2015 debut in Auburn Handicap

AUBURN, Wash. – Prime Engine, the leading 2-year-old at Emerald Downs in 2014, will make his eagerly awaited 2015 debut Sunday in the $50,000 Auburn Handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs. Carrying the high weight of 121 pounds, Prime Engine will meet seven challengers in the Auburn, race 9 on an 11-race program beginning at 2 p.m. Pacific.

Prime Engine was 2 for 2 at Emerald last year, winning a maiden sprint by 10 1/4 lengths and romping in the season-ending Gottstein Futurity at 1 1/16 miles, after which the Mark Dedomenico-owned colt was pushed into the deep end of the talent pool with a start in the $1 million Delta Jackpot at Delta Downs. Prime Engine vied for the lead for six furlongs in that November trip to Louisiana before fading. He’s been sidelined ever since.

There’s still some mystery about Prime Engine’s true quality. His maiden victory was fast – 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:03.55 – but uncontested, and his Gottstein Futurity romp was achieved after the favorite, Trackattacker, stopped suddenly at the five-sixteenths pole. But Prime Engine is quick, and he’s been working diligently for trainer Mike Puhich. Leslie Mawing has the riding assignment.

While Prime Engine was making headlines last summer, O B Harbor was just getting his feet wet. He made his final start of the year in August and spent the winter filling out for trainer Chris Stenslie. O B Harbor returned to win a fast allowance on opening day of the current meeting, earning an 83 Beyer Speed Figure. He and Prime Engine figure to dominate the betting.

Key contenders

Prime Engine (Last 3 Beyers: 50-67-83)

Dedomenico paid $110,000 for Prime Engine at Keeneland in 2013. The colt is by Northern Afleet, from the Unbridled’s Song mare Gravy Train’s Song. Puhich trains Prime Engine at Emerald Downs. Jerry Hollendorfer trained the horse for his start at Delta Downs.

O B Harbor (Last 3 Beyers: 83-70-51)

O B Harbor ran 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:02.39 in his opening-day allowance victory. He won by seven lengths without being extended and has worked smartly in the interim. He’s quick enough to keep Prime Engine within striking range in the early stages.

Daytona Beach (Last 3 Beyers: 72-51-44)

Daytona Beach closed out 2014 with a couple of easy victories, including a 5 1/2-length win in the restricted Cahill Road Stakes in September. Trainer Doris Harwood is Emerald’s all-time leader with 66 stakes victories, and Julien Couton, Emerald’s leading rider, has the call.

Gloria’s Angelo (Last 3 Beyers: 76-77-65)

A Kentucky-bred by City Zip, Gloria’s Angelo will be making his first start at Emerald Downs. He began his career with a maiden victory at Presque Isle Downs last June and won a first-level allowance at Golden Gate Fields in January. In his most recent start, Gloria’s Angelo was beaten 4 1/2 lengths in the $81,100 San Pedro Stakes at Santa Anita on April 12. He’s a candidate to thrive at Emerald Downs.