First Heritage & Julien Couton

FIRST HERITAGE PREVAILS AS WRIGHT KEEPS WINNING

AUBURN, Wash. (July 14, 2017) – First Heritage darted past long shot Justitia in mid-stretch and drew away for a 4 ¼-length victory Friday in the $11,200 Muckleshoot Casino Purse for older fillies and mares at Emerald Downs.

Patiently ridden by Julien Couton, First Heritage ran 6 ½ furlongs in 1:18.58 and paid $5.80, $4.20 and $3. Blaine Wright trains First Heritage for owners Woodway Stable and Due Diligence Racing.

There were some anxious moments for the winner, as First Heritage lacked racing room into and around the far turn, but Couton eased her out into the lane and quickly collared the leaders to win going away.

A 4-year-old Florida-bred by First Dude, First Heritage is 6-3-1 in 19 career starts with earnings of $84,215. Friday’s win was her first in three tries at Emerald Downs.

Justitia, ridden by Juan Gutierrez, battled for the lead from the bell, shook clear into the stretch, but was unable to withstand the winner and held second. Justitia paid $10.20 and $5.60.

Sugarseeker, Isaias Enriquez riding, finished well for third and paid $4 to show, while Swiss Script, Our Clementine, Trinni and Guardian One completed the order of finish.

NOTES: Wright had two wins on the card—his seventh double of the season—and now leads Frank Lucarelli 31-19 atop the trainers’ standings. . .Apprentice Kevin Orozco rode two winners Friday including My Best Bet to a $32 upset in race five. . . Congratulations to trainer Paul Roggenkamp on his first Emerald Downs victory with La Tempte Noire ($58.60) in the Friday opener. Incidentally, Joe Withee selected the 28-1 winner on Handicapper’s Corner. . .La Tempte Noire and My Best Bet helped create a $2,845 carryover to Saturday in the $0.20 Pick 7. . .California breeder Ernest Sherman scored back-to-back winners Friday with Mr. Takahshi ($4.60) in race two and Maurice Code ($3.20) in race three. . .Live racing continues Saturday with first post 6:30 p.m.
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