Targa needs better start in claiming sprint

It is tough to separate the six 3-year-old fillies running for a top claiming race of $20,000 in race 6 at Emerald Downs on Friday evening. Post time for the first of seven races is 6:30 p.m. Pacific.

Targa rates a serious look in the six-furlong dash. Trained by Frank Lucarelli, Targa was a sharp front-running winner of a $15,000 maiden-claiming race April 29 and then held the lead at the half-mile mark before tiring to finish third in a $25,000 optional claimer May 20.

She was facing tougher in her last start and had an excuse. Breaking from the rail, she spotted the field a few lengths when she hopped at the start. After the poor beginning, she was gunned to the lead, and not surprisingly, she tired late.

In four of her five starts, Targa has had difficulties leaving the starting gate. If she does break alertly from post 4 with leading apprentice rider Kevin Orozco retaining the mount, she could be difficult to run down. There is other speed in the field, however, and if the expected hot and contested pace develops, the race could set up nicely for Kenzie Blake.

Trained by Roy Lumm, Kenzie Blake came from a stalking position to finish second by a neck behind Lofty Cause in a $12,500 claiming race for non-winners of two June 2. She could get a similar trip here with Eswan Flores picking up the mount from Orozco.

Lofty Cause, trained by Terry Gillihan, was very game in her win over Kenzie Blake and could be dangerous if Juan Gutierrez can get her to settle just off the other speed after she breaks from the outside post.

KEY CONTENDERS

Targa, by Atta Boy Roy
Last 3 Beyers: 45-62-42

◗ The drop in class won’t hurt, and she could take them a long way if she figures out how to get out of the starting gate with the rest of the field.

Kenzie Blake, by Spring At Last
Last 3 Beyers: 46-42-31

◗ She is trending in the right direction, and that was a good effort in her first try with winners. She also has the right style for a race loaded with speed.

Lofty Cause, by Creative Cause
Last 3 Beyers: 46-52-65

◗ In a gutsy effort, she won the duel with Colour of Money and then bravely held off Kenzie Blake late. She apparently likes the local surface and company, as it was her second win from three starts since she arrived from Southern California in April.

◗ She drew a good post, from which Gutierrez may position her just off what will undoubtedly be faster fractions than she dueled through last time.