Trainer Munger, 93, seeks to maintain hot start to meet

At 93, Don Munger shows no signs of slowing down, and the veteran trainer is off to a hot start at the young Emerald Downs meet, with three of his first nine starters winning.

If Pakokohe doesn’t bounce in his second start back following a lengthy layoff, Munger could rack up another win in a $15,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds and up that will serve as Sunday’s feature.

The six-furlong dash for horses who haven’t won three races drew seven and will go as the eighth of nine races.

Prior to his April 16 win, Pakokohe hadn’t raced since he finished sixth in a $25,000 claiming race for nonwinners of two in August 2015.

In his comeback race under jockey Eliska Kubinova, he chased C C n’ Water for the first half-mile in the 5 1/2-furlong sprint. Along with Only the High Road, he collared the leader at the eighth pole, took the lead in the deep stretch, and was able to hold off the late bid by Blue Law. Only the High Road finished a neck behind the winner while rounding out the tri.

Pakokohe won’t be the favorite Sunday. The honor could go to Lord Walton; plus, he will have to deal with Blue Law and Only the High Road again.

Nonetheless, the 6-year-old homebred owns the best Beyer Speed Figure in the field, a 76 from his second lifetime start in 2015, and he could take a big step forward with a race behind him.

Kubinova, who like Munger is off to a strong start at the meet, with seven wins from 24 starts, retains the mount.

KEY CONTENDERS

Pakokohe, by Nacheezmo
Last 3 Beyers: 61-49-51

◗ That was a big effort off the long layoff, and with his ability to stalk what figures to be a fast and contested pace, he could repeat.

Lord Walton, by Ready’s Image
Last 3 Beyers: 62-47-58

◗ He set quick fractions, but considering that he was making his first start in 11 months, it was understandable that he couldn’t hold off Oh Marvelous in the late stages while going 5 1/2 furlongs at this level April 8.

Trained by Michael Puhich, he also broke a step slowly from the No. 1 post and did hold on well to finish second. He moves to the outside post and could be tough to run down if he clears early. Rallying Market could have something to say about that, however.