Baja Sur in different league than Coca-Cola rivals

Baja Sur will try to stay undefeated when he runs in the $50,000 Coca-Cola Stakes at Emerald Downs on Sunday. If his initial start in 2019 in the $50,000 Auburn was any indication, the four horses lined up against him are running for second money in the 6 1/2-furlong dash for 3-year-olds.

The Coca-Cola headlines a 10-race card that begins at 2 p.m. Pacific.

Trained by Blaine Wright, Baja Sur went into the Auburn off a 10 1/2-length romp in the $45,000 King County Executive last July 15. Despite the layoff, Wright expressed a lot of confidence that Baja Sur was ready to run a big race in his first start as a 3-year-old. He was right in spades. Not only did Baja Sur win the six-furlong Auburn by an easy five lengths, he received a career-best 87 Beyer Speed Figure.

“When a 3-year-old outworks older stakes horses it kind of tells you something,” said Wright. “Hopefully he can run the same race going six and one-half furlongs and then it’s a whole new ball game when they stretch out.”

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Baja Sur will break from post 4 with Franklin Ceballos riding.

Wright isn’t counting on anything, though. Especially after watching his Mucho Amor go down to defeat as the heavy favorite in the $50,000 Kent Stakes last Sunday. It looked like Mucho Amor was home and cooled out when she loomed boldly outside of Alittlesstalk at the top of the stretch. However, in a thrilling stretch drive, Alittlesstalk gamely held her off to win the 6 1/2-furlong sprint by a neck.

“Hats off to the winner,” said Wright. “She just wouldn’t let our filly get past her. I was a bit concerned the day of the race. Mucho Amor was very quiet all day and that’s not like her. We took some blood and it seems she was fighting a small virus. It’s not a big deal and she won’t miss any training.”

KEY CONTENDERS

Baja Sur, by Smiling Tiger

Last 3 Beyers: 87-70-60

◗ He couldn’t have been more impressive winning the Auburn, and the 87 Beyer he received is easily the best in the field.

Runningwscissors, by Congaree

Last 3 Beyers: 75-74-67

◗ He was the runner-up to Baja Sur in his first start at Emerald, and the Manny Oritz-trained New York-bred will be rolling late in a race where he speed should be coming back to him.

Verynsky, by Vronsky

Last 3 Beyers: 63-36-56

◗ He took a big step forward in his last start and maybe lightning will strike twice as he is trained by Roddina Barrett, who pulled off the huge upset with Alittlelesstalk.

Perfect Dude, by Majesticperfection

Last 3 Beyers: 67-76-53

◗ Also trained, by Wright, he did not want any part of being on the rail during the early stages of the Auburn and could be dangerous from a stalking position with Kevin Orozco riding.