Pearl River Delta and jockey Kevin Radke

PEARL RIVER DELTA PREVAILS IN SATURDAY FEATURE

AUBURN, Wash. (July 16, 2022) – Pearl River Delta sprinted clear early and held off Oreo’s Dream late while racing to a 1 ¼-length victory in Saturday’s $25,000 Muckleshoot Casino Purse for older fillies and mares.

With Kevin Radke riding his third straight winner Saturday, Pearl River Delta zipped 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.02 and paid $17.40 as the second longest price in a field of six. Alan Bozell is the winning owner and trainer.

Breaking from the No. 6 post, Pearl River Delta controlled the pace while setting moderate fractions of :22.65, :45.41, and 1:10.34.

Oreo’s Dream, the 3 to 2 favorite, bid outside the winner into the stretch, but Pearl River Delta had energy in reserve and held sway for the victory.

“She got an easy lead and was able to keep running,” Radke said. “She kicked on when we turned for home.”

A 4-year-old Washington-bred by Abraaj, Pearl River Delta earned $13,750 to boost her career total to $24,845.

Oreo’s Dream, ridden by Juan Gutierrez, held second, while Unsinkable Molly B, ridden by Leslie Mawing, finished third. Jacana, Suddenly Winning, and Wegottodrinking rounded out the order of finish; Silvery Orb was scratched.

NOTES: Mutuel handle totaled $855,822 on an eight-race card. . .Abraaj sired two winners Saturday—Pearl River Delta ($17.40) and first-time starter Sadie’s Snowstorm ($12) and tied Coast Guard for most wins at the meet with 12 apiece. . .Kevin Radke rode three winners while Alex Cruz had two wins. . .Through 25 days of racing, Cruz owns a 47-40 lead over Radke, with Juan Gutierrez third with 36 wins. . .Miss Kitness ($3.60) became the sixth triple winner at the meet, wearing down Mean Sharon for the victory in race three. A 5-year-old mare by Competitive Edge, Miss Kitness is 7 for 20 lifetime. . .Miss Kitness’ victory gives Jorge Rosales a 16-15 lead over Blaine Wright in the trainers’ standings. . .Trainer Frank Lucarelli finished one-two with Swing First ($20.20) and Silver King Bain in the eighth race finale. . .Saturday’s second race, the Clell Sherwood Memorial Purse, honored the longtime Emerald Downs’ jockey superintendent who passed away earlier this year at age 78. . .Papa’s Golden Boy worked four furlongs in :46 3/5 in advance of the July 24 Governor’s Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at 6 ½ furlongs. . .Live racing continues Sunday with the $50,000 Kent Stakes for 3-year-old fillies and $50,000 Irish Day Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings, both at 6 ½ furlongs. First post 2:15 p.m.
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