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$50,000 SEATTLE STAKES TOPS SUNDAY CARD,
NEWCOMER FIND JOY RATES BIG LOOK
Emerald Downs’ 28-race stakes schedule begins Sunday with 3-year-old fillies vying 6 ½ furlongs in the $50,000 Seattle Stakes. The seven-horse field includes several highly decorated runners: 2015
WTBOA Champion 2-Year-Old Filly My Heart Goes On, 2015 Emerald Downs’ Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Princess Kennedy, and unbeaten Invested Prospect, a speedster who wired the field in the 2015 Northwest Farms Stakes.
The role of betting favorite, however, could belong to Find Joy, a regally bred daughter of Drosselmeyer-Hurricane Hannah, purchased for $185,000 last year by David Taylor of Seattle.
Find Joy (pictured in her stall on the right) has trained forwardly for her Northwest debut, including a sparkling six furlong gate drill in 1:11 4/5 on April 28. Her five races feature a debut victory at Pimlico last summer followed by four tries against strong California competition, including a third in the Anoakia Stakes at Santa Anita.
“We were going to run her in a little stakes at Golden Gate but she didn’t like the synthetic (surface) much so we just kicked her out with hopes to bring her up here and compete really well in the stakes,” trainer Frank Lucarelli said. “She’s been getting over the Emerald Downs surface really well.
“She has really good speed but she can rate. We’ll probably just settle in behind the speed and we could end up with a really nice trip if three or four of these fillies decide to go for the lead.”
Invested Prospect drew the rail and makes her first start since the Northwest Farms Stakes vs. Washington-breds last September, when she opened a four-length lead after splits of :21.36, :44.23 and :56.77, and held by a neck over Cape Grace in 1:10.26 for six furlongs.
Trainer Blaine Wright opted to train Invested Prospect straight into the Seattle rather than run her in the April 9 allowance race won by Jerre to Carrie.
“She’s a nice filly, but it’s hard to come off the bench going 6 ½ furlongs,” Wright said.
The 3-year-old filly division culminates July 24 with the $75,000 Washington Oaks at 1 1/8 miles. As announced in February, any horse sweeping the Washington Oaks and September 10 BC Oaks at Hastings Racecourse earns a $25,000 (CDN) bonus.
The Seattle Stakes goes as Race 8 on a 10-race Mother’s Day card. Post time is 5:39 p.m.
The field for the $50,000 Seattle Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at six furlongs: Invested Prospect, Juan Gutierrez, 120; Princess Kennedy, Javier Matias, 120; Find Joy, Isaias Enriquez, 116; Aunt Maryann, Leslie Mawing, 116; My Heart Goes On, Ronald Richard, 118; B C Z Middleton, Jose Zunino, 116; Jerre to Carrie, Rocco Bowen 116.
SPECIAL 1 PM POST TIME SATURDAY
As usual, Emerald Downs will operate on a slightly different schedule on Kentucky Derby Day; First post is 1 p.m. for the nine-race card.
The simulcast of the 142nd Kentucky Derby (Race 12 at Churchill Downs) is 3:34 p.m., between races 5 and 6 at Emerald Downs. Gates open at 7 AM and the first of 14 races from Churchill Downs goes at 7:30.
The featured eighth race is a strong allowance/optional claimer at six furlongs, in which touted newcomer Indian Brut makes his local debut. Trained by Tim McCanna for owner/breeder Charles Fipke, the 5-year-old by Indian Charlie is 1-5-3 in 12 starts with earnings of $122,830, and has performed well on turf and dirt against strong competition in New York and Florida.
Solemnly Swear, third to O B Harbor and Kaabraaj opening weekend, is a highly regarded 5-year-old from the stable of Mike Puhich, who thought enough of the son of Yes It’s True to nominate him to last year’s Longacres Mile.
The field for Saturday’s $20,500 allowance/optional claiming
feature for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs: Botch, Erick Lopez, 120 lbs; Arrom Bear, Leslie Mawing, 120; Trick Or Retreat, Ronald Richard, 120; Solemnly Swear, Isaias Enriquez, 120; Awesome Indian, Rocco Bowen, 120; Indian Brut, Joe Steiner, 120; Scat
YOU WANT ’EM, WE GOT ’EM! GET YOUR KENTUCKY DERBY PICKS HERE
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Nevertheless, your intrepid reporters stomped the grounds at Emerald Downs and compiled a list of selections for Saturday’s 142nd Run for the Roses. Post time is 3:34 p.m. (PDT)
Brett Anderson (Emerald Downs Racing Secretary): Nyquist I’m going with the undefeated horse.
Dino Apostolou (Trainer): Lani He’s a sharp horse from out of town. I like that.
Victor Bahna (Owner): Exaggerator I was very impressed with his Santa Anita Derby. He made a phenomenal move.
Roddina Barrett (Trainer): Creator My dad trailered him to Churchill Downs so I got lots of cool pictures of him.
Howard Belvoir (Trainer): Creator I loved his race in The Arkansas Derby.
Rocco Bowen (Jockey): Mohaymen He had an off day in The Florida Derby. He’s talented and deserves another chance.
Vince Bruun (Director Media Relations): Exaggerator I liked his win in The Santa Anita Derby and he has the right style to win The Kentucky Derby.
Leonel Camacho Flores (Jockey): Nyquist He’s undefeated and just a really good horse.
Kathy Coffey (Customer Service): Nyquist I like him because I have him in a future wager and Lani for second because Jon White likes him.
Bryson Cooper (Trainer): Mor Spirit I like his style and I know he’ll like the classic distance.
Ron Crockett (Emerald Downs Founder): Gun Runner He’s undefeated on a fast track.
Matt Dinerman (Track Announcer): Nyquist He’s the real deal.
Janet Elseth (Graphic Artist): Lani He’s unpredictable. I like that.”
Joe Henry (Controller): Mor Spirit Because he is #17 and that’s my lucky number.
Jim Engstrom: Nyquist But I also think Tom’s Ready can hit the board at a huge price.
Bob Fraser (Vice President Operations): Nyquist I like Doug O’Neill and he’ll have him ready to roll.
Howie Gibson (Trainer): Mor Spirit I like Bob Baffert and I’m rooting for Gary Stevens because he is from Washington.
Osvaldo Gonzalez (Jockey): Creator I like his color.
Doris Harwood (Trainer): Nyquist He’s very good.
Frank Lucarelli (Trainer): Mor Spirit He runs well every race and will like the distance.
Dan Markle (Trainer): Nyquist He’s passed every test so far. No reason why he won’t pass this one.
Erin Palmer (Track Photographer): Nyquist He’s the horse to beat.
Darrin Paul (Owner): Suddenbreakingnews He runs on well every time and can win if he gets a good trip.
Gabrielle Peterson (Group Sales): Exaggerator His Santa Anita Derby win was awesome.
Jacob Pollowitz (Broadcast & Media Relations): Gun Runner I like the way he rates behind horses and he has the right running style to win the race.
Vicki Potter (Group Sales): Exaggerator He looked great in the Santa Anita Derby…and I have a future wager on him.
Mike Puhich (Trainer): Creator He’s feeling frisky.
Ronald Richard (Jockey): Nyquist I think he’s only getting better.
Sharon Ross (Trainer): Nyquist He’s a very good, professional horse. He’s got every chance in the world to win.
Monique Snowden (Trainer): Nyquist He should be tough.
Robert Sodergren (Tim McCanna Assistant Trainer): Nyquist Undefeated and tough to beat.
Sally Steiner (Quarter Chute Café): Exaggerator I loved his last race and he has a cool name.
Lance Williams (Ron Crockett Racing Manager): Nyquist He’s the one to fear.
Aaron Wine (Programs): Nyquist He dominated in the Del Mar Futurity and has dominated ever since.
Joe Withee (Director of Publicity): Gun Runner He has a good style where he can stalk and finish strong.
FRIDAY RACING BEGINS WITH $4,075 PICK 7 CARRYOVER
The $0.20 Pick 7—is back at it again, carrying over for the eighth time after 10 days of racing.
The track’s newest exotic wager has a two-day carryover of $4,075 and will kick off Friday’s seven-race card. Conquering Friday’s pick 7 will be no easy feat considering average field size is above eight horses per race and race three features 11 maiden runners for an $8,000-$7,000 tag,
THE PRESS BOX PODCAST IS BACK!
The 45-minute program will showcase every stakes race this season including Sunday’s $50,000 Seattle Stakes and an interview with trainer Frank Lucarelli, who saddles newcomer Find Joy in Sunday’s stakes.
Hosted by Jacob Pollowitz (Professor Pollowitz) and Vince Bruun (Mr. Media), The Press Box Podcast starts approx. 30 minutes before post time before each stakes and includes horsemen interviews, handicapping, Matt Dinerman’s live race call, the Winner’s Circle interview and a comprehensive look at the race’s history.
You can listen to the show live or recorded by visiting the track website at emeralddowns.com or at mixlr.com/emerald-downs.
MOTHER’S DAY CONCLUDES DERBY WEEKEND
Aside from a live Thoroughbred action, mothers will have plenty to look forward to Sunday at Emerald Downs.
First and foremost, mothers can indulge in the track’s famous lunch buffet. Then between races, the track will host Mother’s Day prize drawings throughout the day. The North Park will also be open for family day activities including pony rides, face painting, a bounce house and more!
Mother’s Day also kicks off the 2016 stakes program at Emerald Downs. A talented six-pack of 3-year-old fillies will face off in the $50,000 Seattle Stakes at 6 ½ furlongs. The 10-race card begins with first post at 2 p.m.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 6: FAB Friday and Brewers Night presented by Northwest Brewing Company
May 7: Kentucky Derby Day & Hat Contest
May 8: Mother’s Day
May 21: Preakness Pancakes
BEYERS & FAST TIMES
Friday, April 29
Race 1: Secret Mark-50*
Race 2: Lean Cozzene-58
Race 3: Aunt Maryann-56*
Race 4: Cantcatchme-68
Race 5: Image of Truth-59*
Race 6: Big Hat Charlie-81*
Race 7: Endless Cruise-66
Saturday, April 30
Race 1: Dyna Star-43
Race 2: William Crotty-67*
Race 3: Vistarella-57
Race 4: Seattles Best Copy-61
Race 5: Oldtimers Vision-81
Race 6: Night Train Lane-77
Race 7: If You Like It-60
Race 8: Inexcess Again-74
Race 9: Relatively Fast-56*
Sunday, May 1
Race 1: Bh Lisas Boy-qh
Race 2: Rahys Ransom-54*
Race 3: Elusive Riches-53#
Race 4: Justitia-46*
Race 5: Great Ride-57
Race 6: Italian Warrior-59
Race 7: Dirty Swagg-75
Race 8: Dare Me Devil-77
Race 9: Queen’s Rush-59*
Race 10: Good Scuffler-47*
* Career-high
# First-time starter
Fastest of the Meet
5 Furlongs :56.61 Huya (3yo), April 22
5 ½ Furlongs 1:00.97 O B Harbor (4yo), April 10
6 Furlongs 1:06.86* Kaabraaj (4yo), April 23
6 ½ Furlongs 1:14.28 Fooled Again (4yo), April 23
1 Mile: 1:35.27 Oldtimers Vision (5yo), April 30 *Track Record
EmD TWO-MINUTE CLIP: RONALD RICHARD
Jockey Ronald Richard is back at Emerald Downs already having a strong start to the season and is is this week’s “Two-Minute Clip!”
WEEKLY HONORS #4 (April 29-May 1): Jockey- Leslie Mawing (14-6-1-1); Trainer- Blaine Wright (4-3-0-0); Owner- Muddy Waters Stables LLC (10-4-3-0); Quarter Chute Café Groom-Mary Tate (trainer Tony Michael Gattellaro) ; WTBOA Washington-bred- Dare Me Devil (bred by Andria Mengucci ); Exercise Rider of the Week- Jose Francisco Gonzalez (Mike Puhich).
FINISH LINES: Trainer of the Week Blaine Wright is 8-1-1 in 13 starts at the meet and ranks No. 2 all-time in EmD winning percentage at 23.0 % (211-for-915). Wright has first-time starter Novel Missentered for owners John & Janene Maryanski in Saturday’s fourth race for $25,000 maiden claiming 3-year-old fillies. By Heatseeker , Novel Miss is the first foal out of multiple EmD stakes winner and $309,000 earner Gadget Queen . . .Wright says the long-range plan for Alert Bay is another crack at the $200,000 Longacres Mile (G3) on August 14. The 5-year-old California-bred gelding scored his ninth career stakes win last Saturday in the San Francisco Mile (G3), earning a 101 Beyer for his 1:36.39 on turf. . . Mark Rheinford , Wright’s top assistant the last few years at Emerald Downs, is now working for trainer Steve Miyadi at Golden Gate Fields. . .Trainer Sharon Ross says Stryker Phd continues to make good progress toward his 2016 debut and is scheduled to work again Monday. The 7-year-old gelding could return in the $50,000 Budweiser Handicap at one mile on June 19. . .Turf Paradise finishes its marathon 2015-16 meeting Sunday with the 60th running of the $25,000 Hasta La Vista Handicap at 1-¾ miles on turf. Blue Bomber and jockey Natasha Coddington (pictured above) are 2-1 morning line favorites while Pacific Nights , owned by Emerald Downs jockeys room manager Clell Sherwood , is 7-2.
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