Coulterberry over Trump Itz in Muckleshoot Tribal Classic

Coulterberry was a convincing winner of the $50,000 Muckleshoot Tribal Classic at Emerald Downs Sunday. Sent off as the favorite in the 1 1/16-mile race, Coulterberry paid $5.20 for his 1 3/4-length victory over Trump Itz.

The Classic and the co-featured Washington Cup Filly and Mare Stakes, are restricted to horses bred or sired in Washington of British Columbia.

With Amadeo Perez aboard, Coulterberry bided his time while Grinder Sparksaglo and Mike Man’s Gold dueled through a half-mile in 45.21 seconds over a track rated sloppy. He was within striking distance at the six-furlong mark, made a strong move while going five wide around the stretch turn, and took over the lead mid-stretch. Trump Itz rallied to finish a head in front of Hit the Beach, who stalked the pace.

The final time was 1:41.71.

It was the first stakes win for deep closer Coulterberry, a British Columbia-bred son of Finality who is based at Hastings with trainer Mark Cloutier.

“He was closer than usual today,” said Perez. “When he made his move, he moved fast. When I looked at the horses behind him at the top of the stretch, I felt good.”

Coulterberry was bred and is owned by Cloutier’s in-laws Roy and Dixie Jacobson.

Under Par almost gave Cloutier a sweep of the final two Washington Cup Races this year. The 4-year-old daughter of Stephanotis was sent off as the 2-1 favorite in the $50,000 Washington Cup Filly and Mares. However, after setting sprint-like fractions in the 1 1/16-mile race, she couldn’t hold off a determined No Talking Back.

Ridden by Scott Stevens for trainer Chris Stenslie, No Talking Back stalked the pace, moved into serious contention at the six-furlong mark, and wore down Under Par in the last few strides. The final margin was three-quarters of a length with Dontkissntell finishing third, 5 1/4 lengths behind Under Par.

The final time was 1:42.73.

A Washington-bred daughter of Flatter, No Talking Back is owned by One Horse Will Do Corporation and Steve Shimizu.

It was the third straight stakes win for No Talking Back, who will undoubtedly be voted champion older filly or mare in Washington.