Swingshift Deputy brings best Beyer Speed Figure into sprint

Swingshift Deputy might be moving up in price after a narrow loss to Party Pooper in a $20,000 open claiming race May 13, but he is facing easier company in a $25,000 conditional claimer that will serve as Monday’s feature at Emerald Downs.

A five-time winner, Swingshift Deputy is eligible to run in the six-furlong sprint restricted to non-winners of two races due to the clause in the conditions of the race that stipulates that maiden races, claiming, and starter races for $22,500 or less are not considered.

Party Pooper has much stronger credentials than the five horses Swingshift Deputy is facing Monday. A stakes winner at age 2, Party Pooper went into the May 13 race off back-to-back wins in a $25,000 open claimer and a $25,000 optional-claiming race.

If Swingshift Deputy, trained by Frank Lucarelli, runs as well as he did in his last start, he should be the winner, especially considering that the 86 Beyer Speed Figure he received is easily tops in this field.

What might prevent Swingshift Deputy from winning is that he wants to be in front, and there is plenty of speed drawn inside of him. He is the speed of the speed though, and if he breaks alertly from his outside post with apprentice Kevin Orozco riding, he could be tough to get past.

Four horses in the field are coming off wins, most notably Capital Expense, who romped in a $15,000 claiming race for non-winners of two for trainer Robert Baze on May 12. It was Capital Expense’s first score since his debut, when he won going 3 1/2 furlongs in a maiden special weight race at Hastings as a 2-year-old in 2015.

The British Columbia-bred son of Scots Pine could be up against it breaking from the rail, but he will be in the capable hands of leading rider Rocco Bowen.

KEY CONTENDERS

Swingshift Deputy, by Ministers Wild Cat

Last 3 Beyers: 86-59-65

◗ The 5-year-old Washington-bred was game in defeat while facing tougher, and he could be sitting on a peak effort in the third start of his form cycle.

Oh Marvelous Me, by Bluegrass Cat

Last 3 Beyers: 71-69-68

◗ Trained by Blaine Wright, he can stalk and could get a nice trip sitting not too far off what figures to be a fast and contested pace. He also should appreciate the slightly longer distance after rallying to finish third going 5 1/2 furlongs at this level April 22.

Valid Keiki, by Successful Appeal

Last 3 Beyers: 68-60-66

◗ Also trained by Lucarelli, the versatile 4-year-old was coming off an 11-month layoff when he took them all the way in a $15,000 conditional claimer April 28. He’s had two sharp works since then, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him fire another big shot.