Raise the Bluff draws 8, Trickey Trevor 12

AUBURN, Wash. - Co-highweights Raise the Bluff and Trickey Trevor drew posts 8 and 12, respectively, at Wednesday's draw for Sunday's 72nd running of the Grade 3, $400,000 Longacres Mile.

Raise the Bluff and Trickey Trevor will each carry 119 pounds, but a better draw may tilt favoritism toward Raise the Bluff. Trainer Junior Coffey, a former professional football player, was hoping to draw one of the digits of his jersey number, 34, but he said his horse will probably not be hurt by post 8.

"Especially with both of the likely pacesetters drawn to his inside, I think he should be able to drop in and avoid losing too much ground on the first turn," said Coffey, referring to The Great Face and Sinister Minister. "He has good tactical speed, so I'm hoping he can come out of the first turn in fourth or fifth position. From that point, it will be up to him."

Raise the Bluff, one of three horses in the Mile for owner Ron Crockett, has won 5 of 17 starts, including the Emerald Derby and the Santana Mile Handicap at Santa Anita, for earnings of $247,706. He will be ridden by Tyler Baze.

It may prove more of a challenge for Russell Baze, the rider of Trickey Trevor, to fashion a good trip from the 12 post. Trickey Trevor, an 8-year-old from the barn of trainer Jerry Hollendorfer with nearly $700,000 in earnings, has stalked the pace in three starts this year, and that style would invite a wide trip on Sunday. Trickey Trevor showed brilliant speed through most of his career, however, and Baze will have that asset to call upon if need be.

Others in the Mile field, from the rail out, are The Great Face, with Juan Gutierrez up at 118 pounds; Courting Seattle, 112, Sandi Gann; Wasserman, 115, Jennifer Whitaker; Gotaghostofachance, 117, Kevin Radke; Sinister Minister, 116, Clinton Potts; Schoolin You, 112, Leslie Mawing; Diligent Prospect, 113, Wilson Dieguez; Wanna Runner, 116, Ricky Frazier; Norm's Nephew, 114, Debbie Hoonan-Trujillo; and Don'twritemeoff, 114, Macario Rodriguez.

Last year's Mile winner, Flamethrowintexan, was not entered after suffering a minor setback on Tuesday. Assistant trainer Kay Cooper said he got loose from his pony during his morning exercise, tore off a shoe, a bruised a hoof.