Courting Seattle takes Auburn Stakes

AUBURN, Wash. - Courting Seattle stalked the pace of Ballou Slew through a half mile in 44 flat, moved to take command in the upper stretch and drew out to score a 2 3-4 length victory in Sunday's Auburn Stakes for 3-year-olds at Emerald Downs. Courting Seattle got the six furlongs in 1:08.60 under regular rider Jennifer Whitaker. Ballou Slew held second by a scant nose over Tusko T., who, like the winner, is trained by Howard Belvoir.

Courting Seattle, a son of Doneraile Court, paid $7.60 to win as the favorite and earned a winner's share of $22,000 from the $40,000 purse. It was the third win and the first stakes win from four starts by Courting Seattle, who races for the partnership of Tom Donovan, Phil and B. J. Torres and Vicky Potter's Rising Star Stable.