Twenty-nine horses were nominated to the $300,000 Longacres Mile (Gr. III) in a preliminary list released Sunday by Emerald Downs.

The 73rd running of the Longacres Mile is Aug. 17, with weights to be announced Aug. 9. Field size is limited to 12 starters with high weights preferred. The 29 nominations are an increase of two over last year.

Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella — who won the race 30 years ago with Bad’N Big — nominated two California-based runners, Perfect Drift and One Union. The former is a 9-year-old, multiple Grade I winner who would be the richest horse ever to run in the state with earnings of over $4.7 million.

Tropic Storm, trained by Craig Dollase for West Point Thoroughbreds, would appear to have some of the best credentials on the list. The 4-year-old Florida-bred has run strong recent races at 7 ½ and seven furlongs, finishing second in the Grade 3 Ack Ack and third in the Grade I Triple Bend, both at Hollywood Park.

Wasserman, third in last year’s Longacres Mile, is among the top local threats this year. The 6-year-old gelding has had a dream season for owner-trainer Howard Belvoir, winning the FSN and Governor’s handicaps in dramatic fashion, and just missing a third stakes victory in the Mt. Rainer Handicap.

Trainers Jerry Hollendorfer and Mike Chambers nominated the most horses at four apiece. Hollendorfer, who saddled Adreamisborn to win the 2004 Mile, nominated Blue Exit, Our Partner, Putmeinyourwill and Saratoga’s Magic. Chambers, whose older runners have been forces in the local handicap division this season, nominated Chhaya Dance, Lord Avalon, Maxey Boy and Nationhood.

Flamethrowintexan – winner of the 2006 Mile – is the only former winner on the list and one of two horses nominated by Jim Penney, who owns a record five victories in The Mile. Penney also nominated Honour the West.

Weights are to be assigned the nominees by Emerald racing secretary Brett Anderson by Saturday. The 12 highest-weighted horses entered will be preferred in the draw for post positons, scheduled Aug. 13.

• The Federal Way School District sign program is entering its second year. Advertising banners may be placed at Federal Way Memorial Field or in secondary schools. Each banner costs $500. For more information, contact Greg Flynn at gflynn@fwps or call (253) 945-5575.

• The Federal Way under-11 Storm program is in need of a few boys soccer players.

The Storm is currently seeking players to fill out rosters on the following teams: Storm 97 White, Storm 97 Black, Storm 98 Platinum, and Storm 98 Silver. If your son is interested in playing in the 97 program, he must not be older than 11 years of age. For further information, contact Eric Poorvielt at (206) 353-3517. If your son is 10 years old and interested in playing at a competitive level of soccer, contact John Yorke at jyorke3@aol.com.

• The Tacoma-Pierce County Volleyball Officials Board is in need of individuals who are interested in officiating middle school, junior high, senior high, college, and recreation department volleyball matches throughout Pierce County. A comprehensive training program, starting Aug. 25, is offered for all new officials and the opportunities to advance in the organization are extensive.

For students, retirees, or former athletes looking to re-connect with a sport, officiating high school and middle school sports is also an excellent way to earn some extra income and provide a great service to the teams. Registration is due no later than Aug. 22.

For additional information on becoming a volleyball official, visit www.tpcvob.com or contact Marc Blau at (253) 848-1360 or blaumarc@qwest.net or John Wohn at (253) 272-8543 or jwohn@yahoo.com.

• The Western Washington Football Officials Association is looking for candidates to begin officiating in the 2008 season. No experience is necessary and officials are paid. Training meetings will begin on July 29. For more information, call Jan Wolcott at (253) 826-2460 or e-mail jswol@comcast.net.

• Water Polo has returned to the Marine Hills Pool. Marine Hills Pool brings water polo to boys and girls ages 8 to 18, who are able to swim 50 yards.

Practices are held at the pool Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 to 9:30 p.m. with preseason scrimmages scheduled for Saturday mornings. Regular season play begins in August. Coach Peter Larsen is currently offering a free two-day trial to anyone interested in learning more about the sport. The water polo team is open to the public.

The Marine Hills Swim and Tennis Club is located at 600 S. 302nd St. in the Marine Hills neighborhood.

For more information, call the Marine Hills Swim and Tennis Club at (253) 839-4960 or visit the Web site at www.marinehillspool.org.

• Thirty-five stakes races worth over $2.3 million will be run at Emerald Downs in Auburn, including the $300,000 Longacres Mile on Aug. 17. The minimum stakes purse is a record $50,000, up from $45,000 last year.

During live racing (April 18-September 28), the $5 fee includes access to the first five levels of the stadium, the Paddock and Park. Kids 17 and under get in free and kids 13 and under must be accompanied by parent or guardian. You must be 18+ to wager.

Preferred parking is $5, while valet parking is $10. Parking in the general lot is free.

Live racing will take place Friday through Sunday through April 25 and will switch from Thursday through Sunday through Sept. 28. Racing starts at 6 p.m. on weekdays and 2 p.m. on weekends.

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