Zippin Sevenz seeks return to top form in wide-open allowance

Zippin Sevenz will attempt to regain her 2022 form while heading Saturday’s wide-open allowance feature over six furlongs at Emerald Downs.

The 5-year-old mare has raced just twice in 2023, having finished third of five in a June 3 allowance when beaten a neck for the win. The Alan Bozell trainee did not start again until July 23 in the Washington State Legislators Stakes in which she forced a taxing pace and finished last of seven.

“You can throw that last race out [as her] tongue [was] over the bit,” Bozell said. “She’s ready for Saturday and hopefully a good run.”

Last year, Zippin Sevenz made everyone take notice when she was among the stunning winners in a pick four wager on Longacres Mile Day that paid $67,847.05. Zippin Sevenz won the Emerald Distaff Stakes in wire-to-wire fashion, paying $49 to win.

The daughter of Coast Guard proved that her big score was no fluke when finishing a close second one start later in the Washington Cup Filly and Mare Stakes.

Saturday’s competition is headed by Silvery Orb, a lightly raced 4-year-old trained by Tom Wenzel. The daughter of Kentucky Derby winner Orb has started just four times, having won her career debut in July 2022, as well as her next race, which wasn’t until May 20 of this year.

In her most recent start, Silvery Orb finished second, beaten a neck, under similar conditions to those of Saturday’s contest. There may still be improvement to come.

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Another runner of interest is Miss Bella, who had troubled start on July 30 that cost her about four lengths. The Blaine Wright trainee drew the rail and will be fortunate to escape that post without another setback.

A pair of 3-year-olds – Stepup, trained by Jose Navarro, and Miss Dynamic, trained by Rigoberto Velasquez – will meet their elders.

Stepup forced the early pace before backing up to finish ninth, beaten 21 3/4 lengths, in the Washington Oaks on Aug. 13. That was her first career attempt going a mile or longer, and she’ll be back sprinting in this race.

Miss Dynamic won her last start July 29 while regaining confidence after having been humbled by divisional leader Aloha Breeze in the Kent Stakes on July 15. The daughter of Dynamic Impact remains the only runner to have beaten Aloha Breeze sprinting at Emerald Downs.

Another with credentials is Cause She’s a Lady, who was most recently fourth, beaten two lengths, in the Washington State Legislators Stakes. Prior to that, she was third, beaten five lengths, in the Hastings Stakes on June 25. Trained by Wright, she will be making just her fourth start of 2023. The drop into allowance company might move her up.

Also in the field is Nan Elizabeth, trained by Luciano Gabriel. She has won a trio of claiming races since the end of June and most recently finished fifth, beaten 5 1/2 lengths, in the Emerald Distaff on Aug. 13.

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