So Lucky a standout in WTBOA Lads

Trainer Howard Belvoir appears to have another star in the making with So Lucky, who is going to be a short price to win the $50,000 Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association Lads at Emerald Downs on Sunday. The six-furlong sprint for 2-year-old colts and geldings shares top billing with the $50,000 Barbara Shinpock for 2-year-old fillies.

So Lucky should help Belvoir get over the disappointment of seeing Barkley, who was previously undefeated, lose by a head to Opportunistic in the $75,000 Emerald Downs Derby last Sunday.

So Lucky romped by 4 1/2 lengths when he debuted going five furlongs in a maiden special weight race July 2 and proved it was no fluke when he came back with a three-length front-running win in the $45,000 Emerald Downs Express two weeks later.

In both races, he took the lead early and was never threatened with Rocco Bowen riding. Last year, Barkley won the Express in his second start but after the race was turned out for the year.

Following the Express, So Lucky came back with two solid five-furlong moves in 59.80 seconds on July 25 and 59.20 on Aug. 1. Jennifer Whitaker was aboard for both moves.

“He’s well prepared,” said Belvoir. “It’s hard to compare him to Barkley, but he’s fast, and I think he will carry it. He’s done everything on his own, and he really hasn’t been tested yet.”

So Lucky drew post 2, with Bowen retaining the mount.

So Lucky is a standout in the Lads, but the Barbara Shinpock, which drew six horses, appears to be a wide-open event.

WTBOA Lads, Race 9

KEY CONTENDERS

So Lucky, by Coast Guard

Last 2 Beyers: 71-66

◗ He hasn’t been threatened in either of his races and will be hard to catch if he breaks sharply in the five-horse field.

Mixo, by Abraaj

Beyer: 62

◗ Trained by David Martinez, he was the runner-up to So Lucky in his debut in the Express and could take a big step forward with a race behind him.

Barbara Shinpock, Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

Camano Comet, by Council Member

Last 3 Beyers: 26-44-49

◗ Trained by Steve Bullock, she couldn’t keep up with runaway winner Karula in the Angie C Stakes, but she is trending in the right direction and could be dangerous if she clears early.

Blazin Beauty, by Tale of Ekati

Last 2 Beyers: 43-52

◗ She rallied to finish a distant second in the Angie C and could get up in time if a duel develops up front.

◗ Trained by Frank Lucarelli, she owns the best last-race Beyer Speed Figure in the field, and being a half-sister to Indigo Beauty, who placed in a couple of Group 2 races in South America, she could have upside potential.

Getting Joellenned, by Trappe Shot

Last 3 Beyers: 40-67-24

◗ The 67 Beyer she earned in her maiden win two back is the best in the field, and she broke okay but got squeezed back soon after the start in the Angie C.

◗ Trained by Tom Wenzel, she may have tipped her hand when she worked a bullet four furlongs in 46.40 seconds out of the gate July 31.