Emerald Downs Director of Racing Bret Anderson has released a list of 28 handicap weights for the 76th renewal of the $200,000 Longacres Mile (G3) on Sunday, Sunday, Aug. 21.
Top local hope and defending Longacres Mile champion Noosa Beach was assigned high weight of 125 pounds — three more than both the 122 pounds assigned both Southern California-based multi-millionaire Awesome Gem and Northern California-based New Zealand-bred Our Nautique.
The great Chinook Pass—the six-length Longacres Mile winner in 1983—is the last horse to carry 125 lbs in the Mile. Since then, the most weight carried is 124 lbs. by Bolulight, sixth-place finisher in 1993.
Bad ‘N Big at 128 pounds in 1978 holds the record for most weight carried by a Longacres Mile winner, followed by Trooper Seven with 126 pounds. in 1981.
Winner of seven straight races and 10 of his last 11 overall, Jeff Harwood’s Noosa Beach carried a track record 126 lbs while winning his most recent start, the July 24 Mt. Rainier Handicap at 1-1/16 miles. The half-length victory, however, marked the smallest margin of victory during the current winning streak, which began over a year ago with a 4-½-length score in the 2010 Mt. Rainier Handicap
Last year, Noosa Beach (20-14-3-2-$480,722) carried 120 pounds while winning The Mile by 1-½ lengths in 1:34 4/5.
West Point Thoroughbred’ Awesome Gem—expected to ship in with David Flores to ride for trainer Craig Dollase—also carried 122 pounds in the 2009 Longaacres Mile when he finished second behind Assessment as the 2-to-1 betting favorite. The 8-year-old gelding has earned $2,578,200 in a brilliant 45-race career that includes first, second or third place finishes in 17 graded stakes races.
St Liams Halo at 120 lbs is the high weight of the expected three-horse contingent from Hastings Racecourse, followed by Crew Leader at 118 and Don’twaitforme at 116.
Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer nominated four horses, but only Honour the Deputy, weighted at 117 lbs., is expected to run in The Mile.
Over 12 runners are expected to enter; marking the fifth straight year the race will have the maximum 12 starters.
The Longacres Mile is limited to 12 starters with high weights preferred. Entries will be taken Wednesday, Aug. 17 and announced during a draw brunch at 11 a.m. in the Emerald Room (4th floor).
Weights for the 76th Longacres Mile, $200,000 (G3), Sunday, Aug. 21
Awesome Gem 122
Our Nautique (NZ) 122
Indian Firewater 121
St Liams Halo 120
Run It 119
Slew the Man 119
Crew Leader 118
Dahoud (NZ) 118
Kevlar Kid 118
Almost Time 117
Assessment 117
Honour the Deputy 117
Rooster City 117
Spurrier 117
Winning Machine 117
Cherokee Notion 116
Don’twaitforme 116
Hollywood Harbor 116
Saratoga Boot 116
Whatsthescript (IRE) 116
Posse Power 115
Davos 115
J P Jammer 114
Our Minesweeper 114
Price 114
Seven Torrents 112
Wasserman 112
