R Beau Genes has affinity for Northlands

A solid field of older fillies and mares running for a top claiming price of $22,000 headlines the Northlands Park card Saturday. The 6 1/2-furlong feature drew five horses and goes as the fourth race.

R Beau Genes is stepping up in class, but she is a very sharp horse and loves running at Northlands. R Beau Genes has won her last two starts here, and 9 of her 11 career wins have come over this surface. Trained by Rod Cone, R Beau Genes started her current streak with a 6 1/4-length win in a $13,000 claiming race on May 13. She then used her speed to win a $17,500 claimer June 5. There isn't a confirmed front-runner in Friday's field, and R Beau Genes could be the one they have to catch. Shannon Beauregard retains the mount.

R Beau Genes's affinity for the local track could give her the edge over R Lucinda.

Trained by Stuart Simon, R Lucinda could end up being the favorite. R Lucinda began the year with a second behind Sassy Sarah in a 3 1/2-furlong $40,000 optional race on May 9. She followed up with a strong showing in the $49,000 Sales Stakes on May 23, again finishing second. This will be the lowest claiming price R Lucinda has been entered for since she debuted in a $20,000 maiden race at Northlands on July 23, 2004. Only two of her career wins have come at Northlands.