Mr. Fireball (No. 7) and Javier Matias edge Uncle Leon
RUN SNAPPY, MR. FIREBALL WIN DIVISIONS OF HOLLYWOOD HARBOR SPRINT SERIES
AUBURN, Wash. (July 20, 2024) – Run Snappy and Mr. Fireball each won a division of Saturday’s first event in the Hollywood Harbor Sprint Series which offered enhanced purses of $22,000 in each division.
The brainchild of longtime owner Jody Peetz, who organized and raised funds for the three-event series, which she named in honor of her world-record holder at 5 ½ furlongs.
In the first division, 6-year-old Run Snappy held off Mirror Image for a half-length victory in 1:03.19 for 5 ½ furlongs. With Kevin Krigger riding for Justin Evans and owner Bryon Seymore, Run Snappy won for the third time at the meet and paid $3.86 as the odds-on betting favorite.
In the second division, Mr. Fireball staved off Uncle Leon for a neck victory in 1:03.05 for 5 ½ furlongs. With Javier Matias aboard for Rosie Simkins and owner-breeder John Coonan, the 8-year-old Washington-bred paid $7.90 as second choice in the wagering.
Run Snappy and Mr. Fireball each earned winner’s shares of $12,540—more than double the normal amount for winning an $8,000 claiming race.
The second leg of the series, Saturday, Aug. 3, features a $25,000 purse and a $10,000 claiming price, also at 5 ½ furlongs. The final leg, Saturday, Aug. 24, features a $23,320 purse under starter allowance conditions at six furlongs.
To be eligible for the Aug. 3 event, horses must have raced in Saturday’s first event in which all starters ran for an $8,000 claiming price.
Four horses were claimed from the first division—led by 10 claims in on fourth-place finisher Torpedo Away and six claims for Run Snappy, with owner-trainer Nick Lowe winning the shake for the Runhappy gelding. There were single claims on Mirror Image and Party Foul.
Five horses were claimed out of the second division, led by four claims for March On Linch, three claims for Roll Dem Bones and singles for Taino House and Third Wheel. There were two claims on the winner, Mr. Fireball, with trainer Justin Evans and Rakoczy Racing winning the shake.
NOTES: Saturday’s handle totaled $873,365 on an eight-race card. . .Kevin Krigger and Justin Evans teamed for two more victories Saturday and are 16 for 40 combined at the meet. . .Blaine Wright had two wins and is eight wins shy of becoming the sixth trainer with 500 wins at Emerald Downs. . .Krigger and Carlos Montalvo led jockeys with two wins each. . .Mary Walker ($6.28) improved to three for three at the meet, leading gate to wire in the Saturday opener. A 4-year-old Grazen filly, Mary Walker is five for seven lifetime at Emerald Downs. . .Mister Mafioso, the longest shot on the board, produced a $41.46 win payoff in a gate to wire score in race five. . . Live racing continues Sunday featuring older horses in the $50,000 Governor’s Stakes at 6 ½ furlongs and older fillies and mares in the $50,000 Washington State Legislators Stakes at 6 ½ furlongs. First post 1:30 p.m.
–##–
