Baja Sur makes it three straight in Auburn Stakes

Baja Sur remained undefeated with another dominating victory in the $50,000 Auburn Stakes at Emerald Downs Sunday.

Making his first start since he won the $45,000 King County Express by 10 1/2 lengths last July 21, he never looked threatened while winning the six-furlong dash for 3-year-olds by five lengths over Runningwscissors

He paid $3.80 and posted a final time of 1:07.98, which is a stakes record.

With Franklin Ceballos riding, Baja Sur broke alertly and appeared to be well in hand while under pressure from Perfect Dude and Fuzzy Dolphin. After posting interior fractions of 21.90 and 44.50 seconds, he opened up a clear lead turning for home and easily held off Runningwscissors who came from a stalking position. Perfect Dude, who did not look comfortable chasing Baja Sur from along the rail early, finished third.

Baja Sur and Perfect Dude are trained by Blaine Wright. Their stablemate, Rally Cat finished fourth.

It was the first time Ceballos rode Baja Sur in a race.

“I have been working him in the mornings and every week he got better,” said Ceballos.

A Washington-bred gelding by Smiling Tiger, Baja Sur races for John and Janene Maryanski and Riverbend Farm.