Villyard 3-year-old eyes repeat

AUBURN, Wash. - Everytricknthebook steps up in class and tries to repeat his last performance when he takes on six other 3-year-olds, each eligible to be claimed for $15,000, in Friday's one-mile feature at Emerald Downs.

Everytricknthebook, from the barn of trainer Aubrey Villyard, won over modest $8,000 maidens in his first try at a mile on

June 27. While he is stepping up sharply for his first try against winners, Everytricknthebook could scarcely have been more impressive in his maiden win, as he overcame a bad start to win by 7 3/4 lengths in 1:37.80.

Gallyn Mitchell retains the ride. The Mitchell-Villyard combination has accounted for seven wins in 20 pairings at the meet.

Everytricknthebook figures to be thoroughly tested by Elron, who just missed under slightly tougher conditions on July 9. Elron, a son of Demons Begone, is trained by Steve Bullock. He was beaten just a neck after running a mile in 1:37.40 in a race for $15,000 claimers who have never won three races. Friday's headliner is restricted to horses who have never won twice.

Another who fits Friday's conditions well is Santiam Top Jazz. A son of He's Tops from the barn of Grant Forster, Santiam Top Jazz's lone win came in the April 3 Oregon Derby at Portland Meadows. He has raced twice at the meeting, both times against allowance company, finishing seventh at 6 1/2 furlongs and sixth at a mile.

Forster will also saddle Jacob the Great, who was claimed out of a second-place finish against $12,500 company at six furlongs on July 3. Jacob the Great and Santiam Top Jazz will race uncoupled in the wagering.