Stryker Phd, voted Top Washington-bred at Emerald Downs in 2013, swings back into action Friday in a $31,000 allowance-optional claiming race at Golden Gate Fields. Regular rider Debbie Hoonan has the mount for trainer Margo Lloyd and owners Jim and Mona Hour.

The 1 1/16-mile race marks a return to turf for Stryker Phd, whose maiden victory came last year on the grass at Golden Gate. Since then, the 4-year-old gelding has developed into one of Washington’s top older horses, capping a remarkable campaign with a 3 1/4-length victory in the $50,000 Muckleshoot Tribal Classic on September 8.

Stryker Phd drew the No. 5 post and is the 5-to-2 morning line choice in Friday’s race, which is the eighth on a nine-race card. Barring scratches, the eight-horse field appears to have enough speed to set things up for the stretch-running Stryker Phd.

Since arriving from Emerald Downs, Stryker Phd has worked three times on the Tapeta surface, most recently five furlongs in 1:01 1/5 last Saturday.

According to Lloyd, Stryker Phd isn’t crazy about training on the synthetic surface, but said the horse is well and looks forward to getting the Bertrando gelding back on the turf.

“He’s doing good, real cheerful,” Lloyd said. “He’s a positive kind of horse.”