Deshambeau with jockey Kevin Radke
DESHAMBEAU ROMPS IN SATURDAY’S PREDICTOR PURSE
AUBURN, Wash. (July 15, 2023) – Deshambeau took command on the last turn and powered to a 6 ¼-length in Saturday evening’s $24,000 The Predictor Purse for 3-year-olds and up at Emerald Downs.
Ridden by Kevin Radke, Deshambeau ran one mile in a fast 1:34.77 and paid $7 as second choice in the wagering. Frank Lucarelli saddled the winner for owner Mike Hill of Kingman, Ariz.
Stakes placed last year at age 2, Deshambeau won for the second time in seven career starts, earning $13,920 to boost his bankroll to $45,010. The winner is a 3-year-old Kentucky-bred gelding by Lea out of the Yes It’s True mare Aliquippa.
Kahala edged Rhodesia for second while Table Bay, the 7 to 10 favorite, faded to fourth after leading through four furlongs in :46.22. Midnight Mojo, 4 to 5 morning line favorite, was scratched earlier in the day.
The race honored the late Victor “The Predictor” Cozzetti, among the most familiar faces in Washington racing as a longtime handicapper, owner, television/radio personality, and syndicate head who died at age 93 last year. A video highlighting Cozzetti’s career was shown on the big screen.
NOTES: Mutuel handle was $862,999 on a seven-race card. . .She’s a Kraken debuted with a 5 ½-length romp in Saturday’s $24,000 maiden special for 2-year-old fillies, running five furlongs in :58.09 under Alexis Valdes for Kay Cooper and Kraken Equine Associates. By Nationhood, She’s a Kraken is the eighth winning foal for Deja Views. . .Tribal Impact ($20.80) made it three for three at the meet with a come from behind score under Jose Zunino for owner/trainer Jesus Garcia. . .Dirt Road Red, four wins at the meet, and Tribal Impact are both sired by Clubhouse Ride. . .2022 Auburn Stakes winner Executive Chef ($3.40) notched his first win of 2023, edging Peso in a $25,000 claimer for non-winners of three lifetime. . .For the fifth straight time at the meet, Teachersbugsaroo finished second—only this time the 4-year-old gelding was kissed into first as Mr. Bugs was disqualified and placed third for interfering with Let George Do It in the stretch of race seven. . .The victory on Teacherbugsaroo ($7.60) gave Kevin Radke a riding double. . . Alex Cruz also rode two winners and the three-time defending riding champ is closing in on the top spot, trailing Luis Negron 39-35 through 27 days of racing. . .Live racing continues Sunday with Irish Day festivities featuring the $50,000 Irish Day Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings and $50,000 Kent Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. First post 2 p.m.
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