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The 2011 Longacres Mile gets underway on Saturday afternoon at Emerald Downs, and one horse has a chance to make it back-to-back titles. Noosa Beach is the favorite as defending champion of Washington's premier race, and could become just the third horse to win consecutive Longacres Miles. And while Noosa Beach is the headliner, the 12 horse field is packed, creating what should be an excellent race.
Noosa Beach will start one gate from the outside at Emerald Downs, drawing the No. 11 post position. Just outside the favorite is Awesome Gem, who holds the second-best morning line odds. The favorites, at least by the betting lines, are stacked on the outside of the gate, creating for an interesting dynamic within the race.
Here's the quick information for Sunday's race.
Preview: For all your Longacres Miles needs, including a preview of the race, head over here, where Matt Gardner has covered the event and taken a look at the field.
Start time: The 2011 Longacres Mile gets underway at 5:53 p.m., when horses are called to the post at Emerald Downs.
TV coverage: The Longacres Mile will be televised here in the Northwest, with coverage set to begin on CSN at 3 p.m. You can also find the race on the radio, where 950 KJR will begin its coverage at 4 p.m.
For the latest on the race, stay with our 2011 Longacres Mile StoryStream. For all you horse racing needs, head over to And Down The Stretch They Come.