'Weaver' fast and in top form

AUBURN, Wash. - Prize Weaver will head a swift cast of six in Saturday's Emerald Downs feature, a six-furlong test for 3- and 4-year-olds to be run under $40,000 optional claiming conditions.

Prize Weaver, one of two 4-year-olds in the field, is coming off an upset win in the $25,000 Owners' Handicap here on Longacres Mile Day, Aug. 22. Dismissed at 9-1, Prize Weaver dueled for the lead throughout and held off the late charge of Slewicide Cruise to prevail by a neck in 56 for five furlongs. Before that win, Prize Weaver, who is trained by Connie Bouslaugh, led throughout to defeat $20,000 company by three-quarters of a length in 1:08.60 for six furlongs.

Diamond View, the field's other 4-year-old, is also coming off a win. The Jim Penney-trained Diamond View beat $25,000 company with six furlongs in 1:08 just last Saturday.

Two of the field's 3-year-olds raced last on Sept. 3, when they chased the talented No Giveaway home in a 6 1/2-furlong test for $40,000 optional claimers that was run in 1:14.40. Count Orange finished a good second in that race, while On the Ave checked in fourth after pressing a fast early pace. Count Orange, who is trained by Aubrey Villyard, had won his last three before dropping the decision to No Giveaway.

Northwest Attitude was scheduled to run in the Sept. 3 contest, but he was scratched by trainer Rick Terry. Northwest Attitude won the 6 1/2-furlong Pepsi-Cola Handicap here in May.