Torpedo Away and Juan Gutierrez

TORPEDO AWAY RALLIES IN SATURDAY FEATURE

AUBURN, Wash. (July 30, 2022) – Torpedo Away collared Nine One One late for a three-quarter-length victory in Saturday’s $25,000 Muckleshoot Casino Purse for 3-year-olds and up at Emerald Downs.

Perfectly handled by Juan Gutierrez, Torpedo Away scorched 6 ½ furlongs in 1:14.26 and paid $6.60 as second choice in the wagering. Blaine Wright is the winning trainer and co-owner with Michael Dadasovich of Lafayette, Calif., and Dallas Becker of Deer Park, Wash.

The winning time is the fastest 6 ½ furlongs of the meeting, eclipsing a 1:14.73 clocking by Slew’s Tiz Whiz in the Governor’s Stakes last weekend.

Last up the backstretch, Torpedo Away commenced a rally around the turn, found room along the rail in the stretch, and exploded late to tag Nine One One in the final furlong.

A 6-year-old Washington-bred by Jake La Gold, Torpedo Away earned $13,750 to boost his career total to $158,271. His overall mark is 9-4-7 in 35 starts, but Saturday marked his first victory in five attempts on dirt.

Nine One One, the slight 2 to 1 choice ridden by Eddie Martinez, set fractions of :22.02 and :44.27 and was two lengths clear into the stretch, but couldn’t withstand the winner from the inside. A 4-year-old B.C.-bred by Maclean’s Music, Nine One One is now 2-1-0 in three starts at the meet for trainer Rob Gilker.

Coastal Jazz, a 13 to 1 shot, held third under Kevin Radke, while El Alto Hombre, Mr. Stang, Bobby Brinkley, and Defense Wins completed the order of finish. March On Linch was scratched earlier in the day.

NOTES: Total mutuel handle was $857,077 on a seven-race card. . .Alex Cruz was off his mounts Saturday due to illness. . .Clayan Millwood scored his first Emerald Downs victory, riding Hunters Ghost ($19.80) gate to wire in the opener for owner/trainer Sergio Perez. A recent arrival from Florida, Millwood has 62 career victories. . .7-year-old Cody’s Choice ($7.40) sizzled six furlongs in 1:08.14 while scoring his 10th career win in race two for Lisa Baze, Jerry Carmody, and Rigoberto Velasquez. . .Velasquez added another fast victory later on the card, saddling Enchanting Way ($3) to a 12 ¼-length score in 1:08.39 for six furlongs. . .Enchanting Way gave the come-backing Jake Samuels his first win of the meet. . .Juan Gutierrez was the lone jockey with two wins Saturday. . .Live racing continues Sunday with day two of Fiesta Premio Esmeralda with first post 2:15 p.m.
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