Right trip could make the difference for Trinni

Contention runs deep in a $15,000 conditional-claiming race that will serve as Friday’s feature at Emerald Downs. Post time for the first of seven races is 6:30 p.m. Pacific.

Trinni figures to garner a fair share of support in the 6 1/2-furlong dash for fillies and mares, which drew seven horses.

Trained by Jeff Metz, Trinni is coming off a fourth-place finish in her first start as a 4-year-old in a $25,000 conditional claimer June 23. The Washington-bred filly figures to move forward with a race behind her, and the shape of the race should work for her.

A three-time winner from nine starts at Emerald Downs, Trinni usually stalks the pace. If Swiss Script and Justitia show up with their usual good speed, there should be a fast and contested pace for her to work with.

Trinni drew post 5, with Eswan Flores picking up the mount from leading rider Rocco Bowen.

Bowen sticks with Guardian One, who hasn’t been worse than second in four starts at the meet and was the runner-up at this level going six furlongs on June 25. The Chris Stenslie trainee was no match in that race for Kiss My Lulu, who paid $3.20 for her 7 1/2-length win. But it was another solid effort, and Guardian One should get a nice trip from a forward position after breaking from post 4.

Swiss Script, trained by Blaine Wright, could be dangerous if she can get the jump on Justitia. If not, her stablemate First Heritage could pick up the pieces. First Heritage is cutting back to a sprint after finishing third in an open, $20,000 claiming race in her first start for Wright on June 3.

KEY CONTENDERS

Trinni, by Private Gold

Last 3 Beyers: 67-54-72

◗ She owns the best last-race Beyer Speed Figure, is dropping in class, and could be ready for a big effort in her second start as an older horse.

First Heritage, by First Dude

Last 3 Beyers: 64-50-66

◗ A five-time winner, her only win at shorter than a mile came when she debuted going 7 1/2 furlongs in a maiden special weight race on turf at Delaware Park in 2015. Nevertheless, she fits a winning pattern. The last two horses making their second start after being claimed by Wright – while moving from a route to a sprint and coming back after 31 to 60 days – won. They each paid $10.60.

Swiss Script, by Swiss Yodeler

Last 3 Beyers: 58-59-64

◗ The speed of the speed, she could be gone if she breaks on top with leading apprentice Kevin Orozco riding.

Guardian One, by Coast Guard

Last 3 Beyers: 60-61-50

◗ Hard not to like a horse who has finished first or second in seven of her last eight starts.

Sugarseeker, by Ready’s Image

Last 3 Beyers: 62-63-57

◗ Trained by Frank Lucarelli, she won’t mind the cutback in distance after winning a one-mile, open, $10,000 claiming race June 17.