Elliott Bay, Killarney Lass use opposite tactics to win Thursday stakes

Elliott Bay closed with a furious rush to edge Papa’s Golden Boy in the $40,00 Mt. Rainier at Emerald Downs Thursday evening.

He paid $11.40 for his half-length victory in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up.

With Eddie Martinez aboard, Elliott Bay was unhurried early while Papa’s Golden Boy carved out a wicked half-mile time of 43.14 seconds. Elliott Bay was 7 1/2 lengths behind Papa’s Golden Boy at the eighth pole and got up in the last few strides. Papa’s Golden Boy sprinted clear, held a 6 1/2-length advantage over second-place Take Charge Deputy at the half-mile call, and just missed in a solid effort. Take Charge Deputy held on to finish third.

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Barkley was sent off as the 3-2 favorite, but never got into the race and was eased in the stretch. He did not seem in serious distress but he was vanned off.

The final time was 1:15.30.

A 5-year-old Washington-bred son of Harbor the Gold, Elliott Bay is trained by Frank Lucarelli. He claimed Elliott Bay for $50,000 last year on behalf of Chad Christensen. Josh McKee is now a part-owner of Elliott Bay.

The co-featured $40,000 Boeing Stakes for fillies and mares was not nearly as dramatic.

With Martinez riding for Lucarelli, Killarney Lass broke on top from the outside post in the seven-horse field and cruised to a five-length victory over Alittlesstalk, who chased her the whole way. It was another 5 1/2 lengths back to Dontkissntell, who finished third in the 6 1/2-furlong dash.

Killarney Lass paid $10 and posted a final time of 1:14.74.

Killarney Lass races for Sergeant Stables. It was the second stakes win for the Kentucky-bred daughter of Eskenderya. Last year she won the $50,000 Washington Oaks by 9 1/4 lengths.