Two go an extra 16th in rematch

AUBURN, Wash. - Star Amethyst and Carrie's a Jewel, the one-two finishers in a $32,000 optional claiming affair at six furlongs on May 13, will be rematched in Saturday's feature at Emerald Downs. The feature is a $40,000 optional claiming test at 6 1/2 furlongs that has drawn a field of five fillies and mares.

Star Amethyst prevailed by 2 3/4 lengths over Carrie's a Jewel in their recent matchup, which marked her sixth win from 16 career starts. Five of those wins came at six furlongs, while the other was at 5 1/2 furlongs. In her lone try at 6 1/2 furlongs, Star Amethyst finished seventh to Marva Jean in last year's Washington State Legislators Handicap. Star Amethyst, trained by Steve Bullock, will be ridden by Kevin Krigger at 119 pounds.

Carrie's a Jewel's backers have at least three reasons for optimism about her chances of turning the tables on Star Amethyst. She was making her yearly debut when beaten by that rival last time, she appears to be the primary speed in the field, and she is stretching out to her best distance. Carrie's a Jewel, trained by Junior Coffey, has won both of her tries at 6 1/2 furlongs. She graduated at the distance against maiden special weight company last year, and she defeated $25,000 optional claimers at the trip last year. Kevin Radke is set to ride at 119 pounds.

Me O Me O My ran third as the favorite to Star Amethyst and Carrie's a Jewel, and will be back to try to make amends.