Citizen Kitty, B C Z Middleton give trainer Metz great day

Trainer Jeff Metz had a big day at Emerald Downs on Sunday, winning the $65,000 Emerald Distaff with Citizen Kitty and the $25,000 King County Overnight Stakes with B C Z Middleton.

Citizen Kitty paid $7.80 for her 1 1/2-length win over Little Dancer in the richest race for fillies and mares at Emerald.

B C Z Middleton, ridden by Jose Zunino, paid $77.60 for her neck win over the 9-5 favorite Profound Moment in the 6 1/2-furlong King County that had a final time of 1:1:16.08. My Heart Goes On, the longest shot on the board at 44-1, finished a nose behind Profound Moment.

Citizen Kitty came from a stalking position to win the 1 1/8-mile Distaff with Julien Couton aboard. Top Quality rallied to finish third. The 3-2 favorite Plastered had a wide-trip while finishing fourth.

It was a similar trip to Citizen Kitty’s first win going around two turns in the one-mile Boeing Stakes on July 16.

“It’s nice to be able get her to stretch out,” Metz said. “Julien worked her one time before her last race, and once before this one. He has gotten to know her real well. He’s been able to get her to relax early, and then let her put in a big kick at the finish.”

“Everything went like we hoped it would,” Couton said. “We saved ground early and she finished with a lot of heart.”

The final time was 1:47.88.

The 5-year-old Washington-bred mare is owned by Highlander Racing Stable.

Emmett Park came from last to edge Candy Ruby by a half-length in the $25,000 Pete Pederson Overnight Stakes. The 6 1/2-furlong dash for 3-year olds and up was the first of four stakes on the Longacres Mile card. Sent off as the favorite, he paid $4.80 and posted a final time of 1:14.97.

Emmett Park was ridden by Kevin Orozco. The Kentucky-bred son of Bob and John is trained by Blaine Wright for owner Peter Redekop.