Trackattacker may be stalking Prime Engine in Gottstein Futurity

AUBURN, Wash. – While fireworks have been in short supply this summer at Emerald Downs, the meeting will come to a dramatic close Sunday when unbeaten 2-year-olds Trackattacker and Prime Engine square off the $65,000 Gottstein Futurity at 1 1/16 miles.

Trackattacker set a track record for 4 1/2 furlongs in his career bow and has won each of his four starts with ease. Prime Engine made his debut just two weeks ago, when he blazed to a 10 1/4-length victory in a maiden race and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 83, exceptionally fast for a 2-year-old at Emerald Downs. Or just about anywhere, really.

Will they make like Affirmed and Alydar and lock horns from the very beginning? Or will one rider take back and let the other set the pace?

Frank Lucarelli, who trains Trackattacker, said his horse would be more than comfortable in a stalking role. Doris Harwood, who trains longshot Val de Saire, said Prime Engine is the one most likely to seek the lead.

“I think Frank will try to rate his horse, because I don’t think they can rate that big horse [Prime Engine],” Harwood said. “I think Frank’s horse is going to be hard to outrun. He’s got the experience, he’s got the conditioning. They say it’s going to be dry, but if it’s not, a wet track certainly wouldn’t hurt Trackattacker.”

Harwood said she would be happy with a share of the purse for Val de Saire, a filly whose best Beyer (47) pales next to those earned by Trackattacker and Prime Engine.

“She’s a Harbor the Gold, she loves the mud, and we want to try her a distance,” Harwood said. “There might be a speed duel on the front end, and we might get a big piece of it.”

Gottstein Futurity, race 9

KEY CONTENDERS

Trackattacker (Last 3 Beyers: 73-6676)

◗ Trackattacker ran 4 1/2 furlongs in 49.98 seconds in his record-setting debut, and then took the six-furlong Emerald Express in a stakes-record 1:08.31. He has been in front by at least five lengths at the stretch call in each of his four starts.

◗ Trackattacker ran 4 1/2 fur Sire Harbor the Gold’s progeny have excelled at route distances, and in the Gottstein Futurity in particular, with his Koala Beach, Couldabenthewhisky, Music of My Soul, and Del Rio Harbor accounting for four of the past five Gottstein winners.

Prime Engine (Debut Beyer: 83)

◗ Trackattacker ran 4 1/2 fur Prime Engine is from an unraced dam whose only other foal, a 5-year-old named Algonquin, has earned $789. Prime Engine’s sire, Northern Afleet, was a standout middle-distance runner in California. He won the 1 1/16-mile San Diego Handicap at Del Mar with a 106 Beyer.

◗ Trackattacker ran 4 1/2 fur Prime Engine set a moderate pace in his debut (45.16 seconds for the half mile) before powering away to finish 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:03.55.