EMERALD DOWNS
Bigger Wagner: Gelding with route breeding has had his sprint debut; looked good making up ground the
final 3/16ths on a wet-fast track.
Bub: Ran well in his come-back sprint and needs another allowance prep before he attacks
stakes competition.
Papas Pistol: Came from way back in the slop to finish second on a front-runner’s day. An off track is a plus as
is more distance.
Polo Bender: 3-year-old debuter handled slop well despite his large size. Believe he’ll go much better with more
distance on a fast track.
Pretty French Girl: In her second start ever, this 3-year-old filly ran a bang-up second to a more experienced
odds-on horse. Fits best for $25,000-C.
Sheza Silver Spoon: Well-regarded, MSW filly couldn’t handle a wet-fast track. Needs a dry track and 6 or 6 1/2-F.
Sister Adiba: Looks to rounding into her 2002 EmD form when 4 of her 7 EmD wins came then. Can handle any distance
from 6-F to 1 1/16th.
Stotz: Came running late after a 2-month layoff and a track switch. Stretch-running sprinter is best at 6 1/2-F.
Translation: 3-year-old maiden ran big in sprint debut. Daughter of Demons Begone is better suited for routing. Believe
she’s a good one.
Zany Baby: Rarely wins, but this deep closer usually gets up for part. Is eligible for n/w-year sprints.
4STARSPECIAL: Thee Icon: 2-year-old debuter broke awkardly from PP-7 at 4 1/2-F. Was rushed into contention
while very wide, tired late; like him right back under the same conditions.
LONGSHOT: Ashford Silver: Deep closer was allowed to get too far behind. He was left with too much to do down the
lane. Look for a rider change.
LONE STAR
BOURBON N COKE: Sped clear early and stayed on gamely to finish a close fourth when stretched to turf route for
latest; holding solid form.
FAR SIDE: Now has two races under his saddle since return from October-layoff, and can improve upon conditioning
gained in latest turf route.
FLEET DEPUTY: Tried turf for the first time in latest, and while he never mounted a threat, he is likely to improve as a
result of conditioning gained; has raw talent.
HEMMINGSWAY: Has not had much racing luck of late, including latest start in which he took turn four-wide from post 13; strong
late mover needs a break.
INNOCENT GENT: Showed nothing in latest, but is clearly better than effort suggests; trainer Norman works out the kinks off
$10K-claim.
ITALIAN RIVIERA: Dueled and stayed on to finish fifth, beaten only two lengths, in first attempt versus winners in latest; can
only improve.
MOVING FEVER: Made it two straight wins in latest, and has now won seven of 16 lifetime starts; claimed by Asmussen from
latest, she’s worth following up class ladder.
OPEN PROMISE: Can flat-out fly early and has won 10 of 30 lifetime starts; Norman trainee has failed as favorite in each of
her last two starts; atones.
THE BUTCHER: Has not been up to his best in his last two starts since tried over this course; adjusts in due time for winning
Trez barn.
WISHINGITWAS: Figures primed for big spring/summer season based upon pair of third-place finishes since return from
January-layoff; stay close.
4STARSPECIAL: KARATE: Battled on pace in crowded lot (14-horse field) and stayed on to finish a close fifth in hot
maiden sprint; clear shake is all it takes for colt from winning Norman barn.
LONGSHOT: RARE SWEETHEART: Chased and stayed on evenly in the lane when fifth in latest – an impressive try considering
4YO had not raced since March ’03 debut; gets there on fly next time.
