Stryker Phd looks to solidify status as favorite for Longacres Mile
AUBURN, Wash. – Stryker Phd and his pursuers in the handicap division at Emerald Downs will take their final serious test before the Longacres Mile when a field of 11 starts Sunday in the $50,000 Mt. Rainier Handicap at 1 1/16 miles.
Also on Sunday’s 10-race program is the season’s first stakes race for 2-year-olds, the $50,000 Emerald Express for colts and geldings at six furlongs. But that is a mere sideshow next to the Mt. Rainier, which could well determine who starts favored in the Grade 3, $200,000 Longacres Mile on Aug. 16.
Stryker Phd has dominated Emerald’s stakes schedule for more than two years, posting Beyer Speed Figures of 91 or higher in seven successive starts. He has won five consecutive stakes, including the 2014 Longacres Mile and the one-mile Budweiser Handicap in his first start of the year June 14.
While the Mt. Rainier is billed as a handicap, Stryker Phd will carry just 122 pounds – the same impost as in the Budweiser and just a pound more than he carried in his last-to-first victory over Boyett in the 2014 Mile. Noosito, who nearly upset Stryker Phd in the Budweiser, will tote 117, one pound fewer than in the Budweiser.
While the Longacres Mile is the main objective for trainer Larry Ross, Stryker Phd should be formidable yet again in the Mt. Rainier. A hot pace is all but guaranteed with Scat Daddybaby and Herbie D in the field, and Noosito also is apt to get involved early. If all goes according to script, Noosito and his new jockey, Juan Gutierrez, will collar the leaders on the turn, just as Stryker Phd launches his patented circling run from the back.
Mt. Rainier Handicap, Race 9
KEY CONTENDERS
Stryker Phd (Last 3 Beyers: 97-87-93)
◗ An ultra-consistent 6-year-old by Bertrando, Stryker Phd has recorded Beyers of 96, 97, 96, 97, 91, 97, and 97 in his past seven starts at Emerald Downs.
Noosito (Last 3 Beyers: 97-83-88)
◗ Noosito posted a career-best Beyer in his last start and seems capable of further improvement midway through his 4-year-old season. Noosito, by Harbor the Gold, is a full brother to 2010 Longacres Mile winner Noosa Beach.
Herbie D (Last 3 Beyers: 84-69-67)
◗ Injuries sidelined Herbie D for the better part of two years following his brilliant front-running victory in the 2013 Longacres Mile (100 Beyer). Based at Hastings with trainer Robert Gilker, Herbie D has started three times since returning to the races in April. He is 4 for 5 at the Mt. Rainier distance.
Absolutely Cool (Last 3 Beyers: 92-81-89)
◗ Captured the six-furlong Phoenix Gold Cup at Turf Paradise in February and was a fast-closing third behind Stryker Phd and Noosito in the Budweiser. He has limited experience around two turns, but siblings Love Makor and Makors Finale both won stakes going long.