Napoletano with jockey Luis Negron

NAPOLETANO DELIVERS AS FAVORITE IN FEATURE

AUBURN, Wash. (July 21, 2023) – Napoletano split horses late and rallied to a neck victory over Ice Tower in Friday’s $14,000 Muckleshoot Casino Purse for 3-year-olds and up at Emerald Downs.

Perfectly handled by Luis Negron, Napoletano covered 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.54 and returned $4.80 as the public betting choice in the field of nine sprinters. Faustino Coco Patino is the winning trainer for owner Luigi DiPietro of Seattle.

Ice Tower, an 11 to 1 long shot ridden by Alex Cruz, powered to the lead in mid-stretch and just failed to last for the victory.

Time ’er Too, a 10 to 1 shot ridden by Rocco Bowen, finished well outside for third while Reign of Speed, Sargent Kline, Mister Mafioso, Ice Needs Whiskey, Howdoyalikemenow, and Contejas completed the order of finish.

Mister Mafioso, 3-year-old stable mate of the winner, was a forward factor throughout, emerging with the lead into the lane after a half-mile in :44.05, before weakening late.

A 4-year-old Kentucky-bred by Orb out of the Sunday Break mare Sunday Geisha, Napoletano won for the second time in nine career starts, boosting his career earnings to $26,152. The dark bay gelding dropped in class after two respectable outings showings in allowance company.

NOTES: Mutuel handle totaled $826,673 on a seven-race card. . .Kevin Radke was the lone jockey with two wins Friday while Blaine Wright led trainers with two wins. . .Luis Negron and Alex Cruz each rode a winner and Negron maintains a four-win lead on Cruz, 41-37, atop the riders’ standings. . .Justin Evans leads Wright 32-19 in the trainers’ standings. . .The $0.20 Jackpot Six carryover is $5,436. . .Napoletano is the younger brother of Hit It Once More, a multiple stakes winner in New York. . .Live racing continues Saturday with first post 5 p.m.
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