AUBURN, WA – On a glorious sunny Championship Sunday, the 86th Muckleshoot Derby was won by the big favorite Prince Abu Dhabi at 3/5. The Blaine Wright runner rallied from from mid pack making a sweeping move in the turn with Alexander Chavez.
The Kentucky bred covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42 3/5. Deshambeau with Kevin Radke riding made things interesting in the stretch as he brushed with Prince Abu Dhabi as both runners were head-and-head with a furlong to run. Prince Abu Dhabi pulled away late to win by 1 3/4 lengths. An inquiry was posted but the stewards made no change.
J C’s a Legend rounded out the top three at 23/1.
Prince Abu Dhabi, owned by Lance Kinross and Steve Kinross, won for the fifth time in his career from seven starts. His first four wins occurred at Golden Gate Fields.
Jamies Inheritance in an Oaks Shocker
Jamies Inheritance rallied from far back at big odds to shock onlookers in the 44th running of the Washington Oaks by seven lengths. The Charles Essex-trained Kentucky bred won for just her second time in her career and it was her start around two turns for owner Richard Rennie.
The winner paid $49.60 to win and covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45 and was ridden to victory by Jose Zunino.
Rounding out the top three were Avanti Leah (39/1) and Pepper Mill (47/1).
The pace was hot and both Jamies Inheritance and Avanti Leah closed from last and second last in the 10-horse field.
Aloha Breeze, the heavy favorite at 2/5, sprinted clear early but tired after 6 furlongs to check in a disappointing seventh. Aloha Breeze exited two nifty stakes scores sprinting earlier at the meet and was 5-for-6 lifetime at Emerald Downs. This was her first test at two turns.