Emerald Downs Wrap-Saturday, June 15

Trump Itz (No. 3 in yellow) rallies between Cody’s Choice (No. 8) and Miner Heat for the victory.

TRUMP ITZ PREVAILS IN THRILLING FINISH

AUBURN, Wash. (June 15, 2019) – Trump Itz blasted between rivals late and prevailed in a blanket finish Saturday in the $18,500 Muckleshoot Casino Purse at Emerald Downs.

With Jose Zunino riding, Trump Itz covered 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.73 and paid $18, $9 and $5.20. Blaine Wright is the winning trainer for owners John and Janene Maryanski and Riverbend Farm (Gail and Gerald Schneider).

Runner-up in the 2017 Gottstein Futurity, Trump Itz has an overall mark of 4-3-2 in 12 starts with $75,080 in earnings. Trump Itz, a 4-year-old Washington-bred by Coast Guard, has finished first, second or third in nine of 11 career sprints.

The Press rallied strongly to finish second, a half-length behind Trump Itz, and is 1-1-0 in two starts as a 6-year-old. Ridden by Jennifer Whitaker, the runner-up paid $10.60 and $6.40.

Cody’s Choice, ridden by Javier Matias, swept to the lead three-wide in mid-stretch but was outfinished late and paid $5.80 to show. Mixo also closed with a late bid and finished fourth while Miner Heat, the 3 to 2 favorite, weakened late and finished fifth. Payne’s Prairie, Legitimate Cause, Battle Point Red and Togrammashousewego rounded out the order if finish.

Grizzly Mountain led by Oliver Pakootas

MUCKLESHOOT GOLD CUP INDIAN RELAY RESULTS

Grizzly Mountain, Little Badger and River Road Relay won qualifying heats on day two of the $67,000 Muckleshoot Gold Cup, featuring 21 of the nation’s finest Indian Relay Racing teams.

Grizzly Mountain, led by rider Oliver Pakootas, is the only team to sweep qualifying heats Friday and Saturday, while River Road Relay, with Darren Charges Strong riding, posted Saturday’s fastest time of 3:36.53 for two miles.

The three-day competition concludes Sunday with two consolations and the championship Muckleshoot Gold Cup.

Results of Saturday’s Qualifying Heats:
Heat 1: 1st-Little Badger (Chris Carlson), Little Badger, MT, 3:38.81; 2nd-Abrahamson Relay (Scott Abrahamson), Omak, WA; 3rd-North West Express (Mathew Pakootas), Omak, WA.
Heat 2: 1st-Grizzly Mountain (Oliver Pakootas), Omak, WA, 3:45.42; 2nd-Pikunii Express (Narsis Reevis), Browning, MT; 3rd-Northern Cree Express (Tyrell Mcgilvery, Good Fish Lake, AB.
Heat 3: 1st-River Road Relay (Darren Charges Strong Jr.), Crow Agency, MT, 3:36.53; 2nd-Tissidimit (Mious Teton), Fort Hall, ID; 3rd-Cedar Ridge (Dallon Racehorse), Fort Hall, ID.

Sunday’s Indian Relay Schedule:
First Consolation: 2:40 p.m. (after 2nd race)
Second Consolation: 3:58 p.m. (after 4th race)
Muckleshoot Gold Cup Championship: 5:15 p.m. (after 6th race)

NOTES: He’s Not Grey ($3.60) became the meet’s first triple winner, romping by 7 ½ lengths under Gary Wales in 1:09.42 for six furlongs. A 4-year-old Slew’s Tiznow gelding, He’s Not Grey has won six of his last seven overall for owner John Parker and trainer Candi Cryderman. . .Wales rode three winners Saturday—his meet-leading 29th, 30th and 31st of the season. . .Ryan Barber notched his first two-win day at Emerald Downs, scoring victories on Tesla ($10.80) and Ridgefield Rocket ($17.40). The latter gave trainer Patty Lydon her first win of the meet. . .Baja Sur—also owned by the Maryanskis and Riverbend Farm— will be heavily favored in Sunday’s $50,000 Coca-Cola Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings at 6 ½ furlongs. First post is 2 p.m.
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