AUBURN – Dynamic Secret powered home in the stretch to defeat six rivals in the 87th running of the $50,000 Muckleshoot Derby.
Jockey Juan Gutierrez landed in a good position on the backside running third to the pacesetter Tougherthantherest, the 5/2 lukewarm favorite who set moderate fractions of 24 and :47-4 seconds.
The Washington bred made the lead at the 1/8th pole and pulled away to a 2 3/4 length score paying $9.78 to win. The final clocking for the 1 1/16th mile was 1:43.06.
When asked if Dynamic Spirit could route? Gutierrez responded “He did it!” This was the 3-year-olds first stakes appearance in his young career.
Winning trainer Bonnie Jenne said “He’s got tactical speed” and that helped him gain good track position. One of the owners Craig Fredrickson said “It’s a great day for all of us.” I’m extra happy for Bonnie she said that she had never won the Derby before.”
The Ownership group besides Fredrickson, includes the Friendship Stable and Q Stable. It was the second career win for Dynamic Spirit in nine starts who also has finished second five times.
Tougherthantherest with Silvio Amador riding held on for second and Whiskeyjack (3-1) checked in third with Carlos Montalvo in the irons.
Lapush takes the 45th Washington Oaks
Lapush and Carlos Montalvo teamed up for a convincing score in the 3-year-filly championship race ($50,000 purse) as the second betting choice paying $8.84 to win. Lapush took the lead nearing the quarter pole and set sail to the wire opening up a 2 1/2 length lead with a 100 runs to run. “She’s a lovely filly,” said Montalvo.
The Tom Wenzel trained runner has now won three of her past four starts. “I thought at the beginning of the year that she could do a few things on these Sunday afternoons, so I’m really thrilled today.”
Lapush, who is owned by longtime owner James Carlin, completed the 1 1/16th mile race in 1:45.06 and was one length ahead of Signora Vittoria at the wire.
Signora Vittoria rallied late for the place position at 23-1 with Kevin Krigger riding. I’m Telling Mom and Alex Cruz re-rallied to finish third at 17-1.
Chai, the 6/5 favorite made a brief move in the middle of the race but finished a disappointing fifth in a race where 10 started.
