'Wave' consistent at a mile

AUBURN, Wash. - Katoclysmic Wave may have a slight edge over a half-dozen other 3-year-olds in Friday's one-mile feature for $15,000 claimers at Emerald Downs.

Katoclysmic Wave, trained by Jim Penney, has not finished worse than third in four prior tries at a mile, including a second to Cowboy Cruisser in his last outing on Aug. 21. Cowboy Cruisser won that race, which was also run under $15,000 claiming conditions, by 13 3/4 lengths en route to a berth in Monday's $100,000 Emerald Derby, in which he finished 10th after leading through six furlongs. Katoclysmic Wave outfinished the favored Intensive and Billy Stark in the claiming race, however, and both of those rivals are back in Friday's feature.

Katoclysmic Wave may get his sternest challenge from Buck Knight, a Bud Klokstad trainee who is coming off a half-length win over $12,500 claimers on

July 29, when he got a mile in 1:37.60. Buck Knight earned a 61 Beyer for his win and enters Friday's race tied with Katoclysmic Wave for the highest last-race figure in the field.

Also dangerous is Jumrunner, who is dropping from the $25,000 level after running an even fifth at 6 1/2 furlongs. Jumrunner, trained by Steve Bullock, ran second to $30,000 company in his last mile try on July 15 and should fit snugly for half that price.

Wantabeademon ran fourth to Buck Knight on July 29. Dek Dee has not raced since beating $12,500 maidens at a mile on June 24.