Wright brings strong one-two punch to sprint

Trainer Blaine Wright appears to have Friday’s feature at Emerald Downs covered with the speedy Blame It On Royce breaking from the outside post and Freedom Hill, a stalker, leaving from the rail. The $20,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds and up goes as race 3 on a seven-race card that begins at 6:30 p.m. Pacific.

Freedom Hill looks like the one to beat in the six-furlong dash, which drew five horses.

The 5-year-old Kentucky-bred won at this level and distance July 3 and was the runner-up to Royal Privacy going six furlongs for the same price Aug. 4. Three horses in the Aug. 4 race won their next start, including Royal Privacy, who took them all the way in a $20,000 claiming race Aug. 17.

Freedom Hill also had an excuse for his runner-up finish. He broke with his head in the air and then got bumped around when he left the starting gate. With a better start Saturday, he should be within range of what will likely be a hotly contested pace.

Julien Couton rode Freedom Hill and Blame It On Royce in their last outings, and he opts to ride Blame It On Royce. Kevin Orozco, who the past couple of years at Emerald has won with 31 percent of his mounts from Wright, picks up the mount on Freedom Hill.

KEY CONTENDERS

Freedom Hill, by Summer Bird

Last 3 Beyers: 78-82-70

◗ He has the right style for a race chock-full of speed, and he’s had a couple of decent works since his troubled second-place finish in a super-key race.

Blame It On Royce, by Blame

Last 3 Beyers: 53-77-75

◗ He won sprinting in his first two races at the meet and will appreciate the cutback in distance after fading badly after being near wickedly fast fractions in a one-mile race where the speed collapsed.

◗ He wants to be involved early, but he did sit just off the lone speed when he won his first race at the meet. He could get a similar trip in this spot.

◗ It is easy to toss his last race, and with six wins in 14 starts he does know where the wire is.

Cross Creek, by Parker’s Storm Cat

Last 3 Beyers: 75-77-69

◗ The 5-year-old Washington-bred forced a quick pace before settling for second in Royal Privacy’s win Aug. 17, and he is capable of stalking the pace. With a 2-8-4 record from 23 starts, he is a bit win shy, though.

◗ He is trained by Doris Harwood who will be inducted in the Washington Horse Racing Hall of Fame before the races Sept. 9 at Emerald. Harwood is the all-time leader in stakes wins at Emerald, with 67.