Best of Me tops Wright-trained exacta in Washington State Legislators

Best of Me made amends for her loss as the favorite in the $50,000 Hastings Stakes with a sharp score in the $50,000 Washington State Legislators at Emerald Downs on Sunday.

She paid $6.60 for her three-length victory over her stablemate Bella Mia in the 6 1/2-furlong dash for fillies and mares.

With Franklin Ceballos aboard, Best of Me broke behind Bella Mia, but was gunned to the lead from along the rail and was a head in front of Ima Happy Cat after a snappy quarter-mile in 22 seconds. The 4-year-old Kentucky-bred daughter of Super Saver held a two-length advantage over Bella Mia at the half-mile call and drew off in the stretch to win with authority. Bella Mia boke alertly, chased the early leaders, moved into contention at the half-mile call, and held on well to edge Dontkissntell by a neck. Dontkissntell moved into a striking position midstretch but hung late after it appeared she was going to go past Bella Mia. Ima Happy Cat, who broke like a rocket in her front-running win in the Hastings, didn’t get away that sharply Sunday, and after being sent hard to duel with Best of Me faded to finish last.

The final time was 1:16.04

The winner and runner-up are trained by Blaine Wright. Best of Me races for Todd and Shawn Hansen.

“I am very proud of both fillies,” said Wright. “We brought Best of Me up here to win a stakes race and she had some trouble, plus her blood was a little off in the Hastings. She got it done today with a hell of a ride from Ceballos.”