Blues Blaster proves best in Humboldt County Marathon

Blues Blaster ($5.20) went to the lead immediately and survived challenges by Come On Deputy and favored Crusher before pulling clear to win the $20,315 C.J. Hindley Humboldt County Marathon in the final race of the Humboldt County Fair meeting at Ferndale on Sunday.

Blues Blaster, winner of the Oak Tree Handicap at Pleasanton in June, took the lead out of the gate and got a perfect ground-saving trip from jockey Hugo Herrera.

Come On Deputy, the longest shot in the field of eight at 50-to-1, tried to go with Blues Blaster early despite drifting out a bit on the first turn of the 1 5/8-mile race. He did stick his head in front after a half-mile but wilted immediately.

Crusher was the next to challenge, getting the lead between calls before the field had gone a mile, but he, too, paid a price as Blues Blaster, who ran at a steady pace, surged past him as well.

Blues Blaster was never seriously challenged after that as he began to pull clear of the field. Brenda’s Bar made a late run to finish second, beaten 2 1/2 lengths with On the Key taking third another 2 3/4 lengths back. The winning time was 2:48.50.

Blues Blaster earned $12,000 for his sixth win in 16 starts for owner-trainer Bruce Dillenbeck, increasing his lifetime bankroll to $160,636.