Get A Hunch, Bet A Bunch

A couple horses trying to establish themselves among the most accomplished claimers at the meet have good chances to add to their credentials tonight. The sharp mare Royal Lioness can deploy her speed from the inside post in the sixth race and late-blooming Naski’s Messenger goes for victory No. 3 of the meet in the seventh.

There’ll be five first-time winners earlier in the card, which begins with a handful of maiden races. If likely favorites I C La and Mer Rita win the first two, the daily double may not be worth the walk to the mutuel windows.

If the track comes up wet, remember to look for mudloving horses. Watch for Emerald Downs invaders, too.

Here are today’s selections:

THIRD: $5 to win on CITY FARMER.

SIXTH: $5 to win on ROYAL LIONESS and $2 exacta box combining her with CAYUSE CREEK and PROLIVER ($12).

EIGHTH: $10 to win on SONESTA BABY.

SEVENTH: $5 to win on NASKI’S MESSENGER and $2 exactas pairing him with GRAY GUY, NORTH TEA and SHIPPING BILL ($6).

Original bankroll: $2,000. Saturday’s result: Unavailable. Present bankroll: $1,542.70.

, DataTimes