Demon Warlock takes rough Emerald Handicap

AUBURN, Wash. - Demon Warlock sprang a $29.80 surprise in Sunday?s $75,000 Budweiser Emerald Handicap at Emerald Downs, edging the favored Poker Brad by a head after a mile in 1:34.40.

Demon Warlock, who was claimed by owners Tim and Allen Floyd and Mike Nist for just $25,000 in March, stalked the pace of Willie the Cat and Poker Brad through six furlongs in 1:10.20, then dueled through the stretch while bumping repeatedly with Poker Brad. The stewards ruled that the bumping was mutual and allowed the result to stand. Briartic Gold got up for third in the field of eight.

Demon Warlock, who is trained by Terry Gillihan, was ridden by Adalberto Lopez. He earned $41,250 for his eighth win in 19 starts.