B C Z Middleton pulls upset on 20th anniversary card

B C Z Middleton upset the $50,000 Washington State Legislature Stakes at Emerald Downs Monday night. The only 3-year-old among the eighth horses running in the 6 1/2-furlong dash for fillies and mares, B C Z Middleton paid $32.60.

Ridden by Jose Zunino, B C Z Middleton broke well and settled into a stalking position behind Ethan’s Baby, who held a half-length lead over Estellara after a half-mile in 44.32 seconds. She started to move into serious contention while making a five-wide move around the turn, and took over the lead at the sixteenth pole.

Ethan’s Baby, who was sent off as the favorite, held on well to finish second. Peppy Miller ran an even race to finish third.

The final time of the race was 1:15.33

It was Zunino’s second stakes win in two days. He won the $50,000 Budweiser Stakes aboard O B Harbor on Sunday.

B C Z Middleton is trained by Jeff Metz and is owned by William Burns and Rebecca Turcott.

Emerald was celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special night of racing. Fireworks weren’t planned, but a freak thunderstorm caused the last race to be canceled.

Because of the cancellation the 20-cent pick seven, which included a carryover of $27,717, paid $1,383 to tickets with six winners. The $27,717 will be carried over again to Friday. Under the rules of racing in Washington, the entire pick seven must be completed to pay out a carryover.