Stryker Phd stamps himself contender for Longacres Mile

AUBURN, Wash. -- Stryker Phd moved a step closer to his ultimate objective Sunday when he rallied from off the pace to win the $50,000 Mt. Rainier Handicap at Emerald Downs. The victory, his second in as many starts this year, stamped Stryker Phd as the top local hope for the Grade 3, $200,000 Longacres Mile on Aug. 24.

The heavy favorite in a field of nine, Stryker Phd ran 1 1/16 miles under Leslie Mawing in 1:40.20 and paid $3.80. Eighth after a half-mile, he moved readily through the turn, collared pacesetter Dontmesswithkitten passing the furlong marker and inched away to prevail by one length. Dontmesswithkitten held the place, with Disruption third. They were followed by Shooting Jacket, Jebrica, Mr. Bowling, Somwhere With You, Worldventurer, and Why Not Be Perfect.

Stryker Phd, trained by Larry Ross for Jim and Mona Hour of Bellevue, Wash., earned $27,500, increasing his career mark to $182,751 from 15 starts.

Trackattacker romps in Emerald Express

Trackattacker stormed to an 11-length victory in the $45,000 Emerald Express for 2-year-old colts and geldings.

Making his second lifetime start, Trackattacker went to post as the 1-20 favorite and paid $2.10. In his June 1 debut, Trackattacker broke Emerald's track record for 4 1/2 furlongs. He was on his toes Sunday as well, skipping six furlongs in 1:08.31.

Trained by Frank Lucarelli for Roy and Ellie Schaefer of Port Orchard, Wash., Trackattacker was ridden by Mawing, who won both stakes races at Emerald on Sunday and was victorious Saturday on Ole's Miss in the Kent Handicap.