Tejati may have edge in rematch

AUBURN, Wash. - Dear Deputy and Tejati, who finished a nose apart in first and second in a similar race here on Aug. 14, will head a field of eight 3-year-old fillies in Friday's 6 1/2-furlong feature for $25,000 claimers at Emerald Downs.

In her recent victory over Tejati, Dear Deputy opened a three-length lead after a half-mile in 44.80 and ran six furlongs in 1:10.80. The additional sixteenth on Friday presents a challenge to Dear Deputy, but she has won three of six starts at the meeting and is in extremely sharp form.

Dear Deputy, a daughter of Wild Deputy from the barn of Roy Lumm, will again be ridden by Sandi Gann at 117 pounds.

Tejati had won her previous outing by a neck over $16,000 rivals with six furlongs in 1:09.80 before being denied by Dear Deputy, and she would seem likely to benefit from the added distance on Friday. Tejati, a Tactical Advantage filly trained by Richard Wright, will be ridden by Ben Russell at 117 pounds and have a more contested pace to target.

Tejati may have a more contested pace to target than in her last race.

Both Afleetilation and Dashing Lady, who broke slowly from the rail post when taking on Dear Deputy and Tejati on Aug. 14, have excellent early foot and could challenge Dear Deputy early.

Also dangerous is Plenty Easy, who will be dropping while returning to a sprint distance after running a creditable fourth to older rivals in a mile allowance test on Aug. 9. Plenty Easy beat $25,000 3-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs earlier in the meet.