Cool Papa G (No. 1) edges Company’s Dream

COOL PAPA G PREVAILS IN EMERALD DOWNS DEBUT

AUBURN, Wash. (May 18, 2024) – Cool Papa G nailed long shot Company’s Dream in the final strides for a neck victory in Saturday’s $25,500 allowance feature at Emerald Downs.

With Luis Reyes aboard for trainer Justin Evans and owner Rockingham Ranch, Cool Papa G covered six furlongs in 1:10.06 and paid $10.40 as third betting choice in a field of six 3-year-olds and up.

Last on the backstretch, Cool Papa G swung five-wide into the stretch and gradually wore down the leaders for the victory. A 5-year-old Maclean’s Music gelding, Cool Papa G has won three of four starts this year and boasts an overall record of 4-0-3 in 13 starts and earnings of $150,218.

Evans said Cool Papa G is pointed toward the $50,000 Budweiser Stakes on June 23, first stop on the road to the $150,000 Longacres Mile.

Company’s Dream, ridden by Karlo Lopez, dueled through fractions of :21.68 and :44.42, spurted clear past mid-stretch and just missed the victory. Longest price on the board at 15 to 1, Company’s Dream was voted Washington champion 3-year-old of 2023.

Tax Code, the even-money favorite ridden by Alex Cruz, held third after a wide trip pressing the pace, while Mongolian Memory, Coastal Jazz, and Lloyds Logic rounded out the order of finish.

Coastal Jazz, 3 to 1 second choice, was claimed for a meet-high $30,000 Saturday by Evans for Rockingham Ranch.

NOTES: Total mutuel handle was $780,229 on eight live races. . .2023 Gottstein Futurity champ Miner League ($7.64) returned with style, rolling by 4 ¼-lengths over Freightline in a $25,500 allowance for 3-year-olds in a prep for the $50,000 Auburn Stakes next month. Ridden by Leslie Mawing for Tom Wenzel and owner Dr. George Todaro, Miner League ran 5 ½ furlongs in 1:03.76 while upping his career mark to 3-0-0 in four starts. . .In addition to Cool Papa G, Reyes and Evans also won race three with Another Ten ($4.60). . .Alex Cruz has wins on nine straight cards dating to last year, including a Saturday score on Alex’s Girl ($3.82). . .The Pick Six carryover is $4,518. . .Racing continues Sunday with first post 1:30 p.m.

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