You Split Tens drops looking for elusive win
You Split Tens will drop into an open $8,000 claiming sprint at 6 1/2 furlongs on Friday at Emerald Downs.
Trained by Justin Evans, You Split Tens has been consistent this season, having crossed the wire in the top four every time while not recording an official win.
The 8-year-old son of Congrats finished 3 3/4 lengths in front when in for a $10,000 tag on May 21 only to lose it via disqualification. He has raced at higher levels ever since.
It is hoped the drop to $8,000 will bolster the 8-year-old’s confidence.
“He’s had some bad beats,” Evans said. “The DQ, then he ran a great second to Gold Crusher, then beaten a nose when it looked like he won, so it’s been tough.
“If [You Split Tens] could be about two [lengths] back when they hit the three-eighths pole it could be his race to lose.”
The pace picture seems a little bit muddled, considering that Crooked Finger Ray seems to have the most speed yet is just as effective when rated just off the pace.
Crooked Finger Ray and Spire were claimed from their last starts by Rigoberto Velasquez and Robert Baze, respectively.
Spire is leaping way up in class from the $3,500 claiming level. The 7-year-old gelding by Ghostzapper won on Aug. 6 by 4 1/2 lengths and narrowly boasts the highest last-out Beyer Speed Figure in Friday’s field.
Spire began his career racing for his breeder, Calumet Farms, and trainer D. Wayne Lukas before being claimed away and spending time in Saskatoon, Lethbridge, and many other places before arriving at Emerald Downs this season.
Crooked Finger Ray spent two races and seven weeks in Velasquez’s barn during the summer of 2022, winning his second start for the outfit for the same $8,000 claiming price he’ll run for Friday.
The field also includes Stand To, a Frank Lucarelli trainee who has been fairly productive of late when flattered by small fields. He won a $15,000 claiming race on June 24 against just four foes and won again for the same tag on July 14 when meeting just two rivals.
The Calabrese Kid, trained by Hilario Perez, was an impressive 2 3/4-length winner for $5,000 on July 23.
The Howard Belvoir-trained Western Rule had the brightest spot of his season when winning a four-horse race for nonwinners of three on July 16.
Drawn on the outside is seven-time winner Mahi Mahi, trained by Valentin Garcia, who missed by a neck at the $5,000 claiming level on Aug. 6, though he was soundly defeated at higher levels earlier in the season.
Friday’s first race is scheduled for 7 p.m. Pacific.
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