Fantastic Day with jockey Carlos Montalvo

FANTASTIC DAY LAST TO FIRST IN FRIDAY FEATURE

AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 11, 2023) – Fantastic Day exploded late and scored a neck victory over stable mate Peso in the $18,000 McKinney Trailer Purse for 3-year-olds and up Friday at Emerald Downs.

Expertly handled by Carlos Montalvo, Fantastic Day zipped six panels in 1:09.77 and paid $8.60 as third betting choice in a field of six. Jorge Rosales is the winning trainer for owner Alan Peterson of Eugene Ore.

Far back early after a half-mile in :44.70, Fantastic Day dove inside in mid-stretch and poured on the gas to collar Peso and Alleva for the victory.

A $500,000 yearling who began his career with Bob Baffert, Fantastic Day is 6 for 15 at Emerald Downs and 9 for 34 overall. He earned $10,440 to up his life mark to $126,256.

Peso, also trained by Rosales, finished well for second and is 2-2-0 in his last four starts. Alleva, 5 to 2 second choice, broke poorly, looped the field for a short lead into the lane, and weakened slightly late to finish third. A View From Above, New Every Morning, and Polacco rounded out the order of finish.

NOTES: Friday’s mutuel handle totaled $817,402 for a seven-race card. . .Montalvo rode three winners, his second riding triple at Emerald Downs. . .Trainer Rosie Simkins popped with two first-time starters—both 2-year-old fillies by Lutes Gift—Lutes Sea Gypsy ($14.80) in the opener and Betty Lute ($7.60) in race three. Friday’s double gives Simkins an even 100 at Emerald Downs. . .Congratulations to owner/trainer Michael Robert Morris for his first career Emerald Downs’ victory with Red Nova ($23.80) in race two. . .Owner Keith Swagerty had a productive night, winning the Del Mar finale with All The King’s Men ($13.40) and finishing second moments later with Shilshole Bay at Emerald Downs. . .Action continues Saturday with twilight racing at 5 p.m., preceded by the 2023 Washington Hall of Fame ceremony at 4 p.m.

–##–