Shorter distance should help Always Macho
Always Macho will try to make amends for his flop as the chalk when he runs in a $15,000 claimer that headlines the nine-race card at Emerald Downs on Saturday. The six-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds drew seven horses, with Always Macho the likely favorite.
Making his first start at Emerald in a $20,000 claiming race for trainer Blaine Wright, Always Macho paid $3.20 for his neck win over Wando Cat in the 5 1/2-furlong dash May 14. Acting on behalf of John Parker, trainer Candi Tollett claimed Always Macho out of the race and brought him back in a $25,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds going 6 1/2 furlongs on June 5. Sent off as the favorite, he chased the front-running winner, Timberfaller, before tiring to third.
It was a solid effort, and Always Macho was given the same 63 Beyer Speed Figure that he received for his win in his previous start. Saturday’s slightly shorter distance, combined with the drop in price, makes him the one to beat with Erick Lopez picking up the mount.
Javier Gutierrez, who had ridden Always Macho in his first two starts here, will be aboard Moody Highway.
Trained by Wright, Moody Highway will face winners for the first time while coming off a lengthy layoff. In his last start July 31, he broke sharply and was an easy front-running winner of a $12,500 maiden-claiming race.
KEY CONTENDERS
Always Macho, by Macho Uno
Last 3 Beyers: 63-63-66
◗ He has the right running style for the race, and if he breaks alertly, he should get a nice trip sitting just off what could be an honest and contested pace.
Moody Highway, by The Pamplemousse
Last 3 Beyers: 60-31-31
◗ He improved dramatically in his third start, which was his first race at Emerald, and has been working like he’s ready to fire a big shot in his first start as a 3-year-old.
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years, Wright has a 22 percent strike rate with horses coming off a layoff of 180 days or longer.
Metadago, by Cindago
Last 3 Beyers: 51-58-56
◗ Making his first start since being claimed by trainer Frank Lucarelli, he broke a step slowly and then rushed up before fading in the same race that Always Macho exits.
◗ He is coming off a win in an $8,000 claiming race at Golden Gate Fields for trainer Jonathan Wong, and other than Always Macho, he is the only multiple winner in the field.
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years at Emerald, Lucarelli has a 36 percent strike rate with claimed horses making their second start for him.