Top rider Bowen sticks with Distortedatthebar in sprint

Anyone wanting a seat Saturday will need to get to Emerald Downs early since there figures to be a large crowd at the Auburn, Wash., oval.

Many will come for the second leg of the popular Indian Relay Racing, which was to begin Friday night. The first of three two-mile relay races will go before the first Thoroughbred race, which has a 2 p.m. Pacific post time, and the exceptional Belmont Stakes card will be simulcast, luring additional patrons.

There is also a wide-open first-level allowance race for local fans to try to decipher as part of the live nine-race card.

In race 7, Distortedatthebar, trained by Charlie Essex, should get the right kind of trip in a six-furlong dash for 3-year-olds that drew seven horses.

In his first start this year, Distortedatthebar came from a stalking position to finish third in a $25,000 optional-claiming race won by Riser. That effort was flattered when Riser dominated the $50,000 Coca-Cola Stakes last Sunday.

In his three starts, Distortedatthebar has romped in his debut, finished second to the fastest 2-year-old in the Pacific Northwest, So Lucky, and was a head away from being the runner-up behind the top sophomore at Emerald in his latest start. With leading rider Rocco Bowen retaining the mount, he figures to be sitting just off what should be an honest and contested pace after breaking from the outside post.

Candy for Three could pick up the pieces if they get carried away early.

He’s had two solid races at Emerald after finishing 10th when he debuted in a $75,000 maiden-claiming race at Santa Anita, especially his latest, where he came from last to win a maiden special weight race going away May 27 for trainer Bill Tollett.

KEY CONTENDERS

Distortedatthebar, by Preachinatthebar
Last 3 Beyers: 68-68-62

◗ He ran into a couple of tough ones in his two races with winners, and if he takes the expected move forward in his second start this year, he could notch his second win for Essex, who is winning at a 33 percent clip at the meet.

Candy for Three, by Sidney’s Candy
Last 3 Beyers: 69-67-47

◗ The Kentucky-bred colt is trending in the right direction; the 69 Beyer Speed Figure he received for his last race is the best in this field.

Double A. Prospect, by Abraaj
Last 3 Beyers: 66-61-21

◗ Trained by Tom Wenzel, he set quick fractions under pressure before drawing off to win a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight race by 6 1/4 lengths under Bowen on May 14.

◗ He could take a significant step forward in the third start of his form cycle, but it is hard not to notice that Bowen abandons him to ride Distortedatthebar.

◗ The very capable Juan Gutierrez, third in the standings, picks up the mount.