Dutton, Time for Gold romp in Thursday stakes
Speed dominated both stakes races for 2-year-olds at Emerald Downs Thursday evening.
First up was the $36,000 W.T.B.O.A. Lads for colts and geldings, where Dutton made a sensational debut in the 6 1/2- furlong dash.
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With Jennifer Whittaker riding, he broke on top and opened up a 2 1/2-length lead while posting a 21.74-second quarter-mile time. He increased his margin to three lengths at the half-mile call and drew off to win by nine lengths over Seattlesbestsecret, who came from a stalking position. Naval Escort, who trailed early, passed tiring horses to finish third.
Dutton paid $17.80 and posted a final time of 1:16.25.
The Washington-bred son of Noosito is trained by Howard Belvoir. It was a record fifth win in the Lads for Belvoir, who has won the race in four the last five years.
“He’s a freak, he just runs,” said Belvoir. “I’ve been saying he’s a nice colt.”
Dutton races for Rising Star Stable VIII.
Time for Gold proved her blowout win in the Angie C. was no fluke with a dominating 11-length victory in the $39,300 Barbara Shinpoch for 2-year-old fillies. She paid $3.60.
Ridden by Havier Matias, Time for Gold dueled briefly with Sacagewea, but was two lengths in front when she posted a half-mile time of 45.04 seconds in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint. She was in complete control with a six-length advantage at the eighth pole and was well in hand the rest of the way. Sacagawea held on to finish second, 2 1/2 lengths in front of Patricia L, who finished third.
The final time of 1:15.68 was the fastest 6 1/2 furlongs ever posted by a 2-year-old filly at Emerald.
The Washington-bred daughter of Harbor the Gold is trained by Frank Lucarelli and races for Chad Christensen and Josh McKee.
“Lots of horses run one big race, but to do it two straight times makes me think she’s a real good horse,” said Lucarelli, who has won half of the eight stakes at the meet.
Emerald announced it will be extending the meet until Oct. 29 and will continue to race on Wednesdays and Thursdays and without fans.