Strollin Slew drops from Distaff

AUBURN, Wash. - Strollin Slew, a bang-up third to Secret Corsage and Karis Macaw in the $100,000 Emerald Breeders' Cup Distaff on Longacres Mile Day, Aug. 21, dips into the $40,000 optional claiming ranks to take on seven rivals in Friday's one-mile feature at Emerald Downs.

A 5-year-old daughter of Seattle Slew, Strollin Slew set the fractions in the Distaff and yielded only grudgingly to be beaten 2 1/2 lengths in her first attempt at a mile. Before that race, she won a $25,000 optional claiming test, going six furlongs in 1:11.20. Debbie Hoonan again has the call for trainer Sharon Ross at 118 pounds.

Strollin Slew may get her sternest challenge from Parioli's Legacy, who is also exiting the Distaff. Parioli's Legacy finished sixth, beaten 6 3/4 lengths. In her previous outing, she beat $25,000 optional claiming company by two lengths after going a mile in 1:36. Parioli's Legacy, who is trained by Jim Penney for owners Beth and Zach Correa, will be ridden by Ben Russell at 122 pounds.

Light My Ducks, the lone 3-year-old in the field, figures to challenge Strollin Slew for the early lead after breaking from the rail post. Trained by Terry Gillihan, Light My Ducks led throughout to win the 5 1/2-furlong Red White and Blue Handicap here July 4, then showed the way in a mile allowance test July 31. She was beaten by A Classic Life, who went on to win the Washington Oaks. Light My Ducks will be ridden by Navin Mangalee at 112 pounds.