Tubbs duo likely to control the pace

Trainer Scott Tubbs has a formidable one-two punch in Saturday’s 6 1/2-furlong claiming feature at Emerald Downs. On the eve of the Longacres Mile, a six pack of $8,000 claimers will face off in the fifth event on a seven-race card. Heading the field is the Tubbs duo of Don’t Tell Hydee and Rafanelli.

Rafanelli was a July 13 claim from a contest in which runners with early speed had a tough time of it while the winner came from last. Rafanelli, a daughter of Carpe Diem, was away a step slowly before forcing the early pace and then fading to finish last of seven going six furlongs. On Saturday, she finds a spot where her early speed should be more effective.

“Rafanelli has responded very well in our barn and has been training forwardly as well,” Tubbs said. “When I claimed her, she was very nervous in the paddock and post parade. I believe if she stays calm for us, she will run a very good race.”

Don’t Tell Hydee also is pretty handy in the early going, and the pair will give Tubbs a major say in how the early pace unfolds. The other four entered have found the lead at the first or second call of a sprint on only two occasions. One of those came in 2020.

“I have liked Don’t Tell Hydee since the first time we claimed her,” Tubbs said. “She has trained very forwardly and is a sweet horse to be around.”

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Heading the opposition is Gold Coast Girl, who will be making just her second start since January. The daughter of Coast Guard found herself asked to go a mile off of a six-month layoff on July 19, a race in which she hopped at the start to get away three lengths behind the field.

To her credit, the mare raced evenly to be fifth, beaten seven lengths. She figures to be fitter and is better suited to 6 1/2 furlongs, a distance at which she has won twice. Her 2023 form would put Gold Coast Girl right in the mix.

Scatalicious, who drew post 4, was claimed from her last start by Joe Toye. The daughter of Majestic Harbor has won 2 of 4 starts this year and retains jockey Alex Cruz.

The other two entrants are Dansmetothendoflov, trained by Alexis Silva-Martinez, and Lemon Drop Lady, re-claimed nine days ago by Robert Bean.

Dansmetothendoflov has been most successful at lower claiming levels while not having won on dirt above $6,250 claiming since 2019. Lemon Drop Lady was brought to Emerald Downs in May by Bean, who raced her four times before she was claimed away on July 19.

First post Saturday is 1:30 p.m. Pacific. Warm weather is expected.

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