'Top Player' takes drop off a win

AUBURN, Wash. - SCR Top Player will try to extend his winning steak to four when he takes on nine other older sprinters in Friday's Emerald Downs feature, a six-furlong sprint for $15,000 claimers.

The 6-year-old SCR Top Player, trained by Dan Markle, began his streak with a front-running victory over $7,500 rivals in April 2004. He followed that score with a full year on the bench, but picked up right were he left off with another wire-to-wire win over $15,000 company on April 24. SCR Top Player came back to defeat $20,000 foes on May 8, when he came from slightly off the pace to win with a 71 Beyer Speed Figure, and he figures to be favored with the move back down to the $15,000 level.

SCR Top Player will be challenged by two other recent winners and a pair of dangerous-looking class droppers. Jumron Won and Irish Tribute both won their last start, with Jumron Won beating $10,000 company with a 72 Beyer for six furlongs and Irish Tribute defeating $15,000 claimers with a 68 Beyer for 5 1/2 furlongs. Jumron Won will be coupled with Personal Plan, who missed narrowly when making his first start of the year at the $10,000 level in April.

Just Outrageous and Execptional Game are dropping after competing on the $25,000 level last time out. Just Outrageous was a good third on April 16, while Execptional Game ran an even fifth on May 15.