Elusive Horizon proves uncatchable

AUBURN, Wash. - Elusive Horizon sprung a mild upset Saturday at Emerald Downs, leading every step of the way to defeat 3-5 wagering favorite Gadget Queen by four lengths in the $50,000 King Country Handicap for fillies and mares. Elusive Horizon, the second choice in the wagering, returned $5.40 and ran one mile in 1:35. Gadget Queen rallied gamely to finish second in the field of seven, and Screaminleapofaith was another 2 1/4 lengths back in third.

Elusive Horizon earned $27,500 for owner Jerre Paxton's Northwest Farms, increasing her career earnings to $167,965. She has won 6 of 12 starts for trainer Doris Harwood and is undefeated around two turns, having captured the 1 1/16-mile Washington's Lottery Handicap and the nine-furlong Washington Oaks last season at 3. A daughter of Elusive Quality from the Unbridled's Song mare Exogenetic, she was bred in Kentucky by her owner.

Unchallenged on the front end Saturday, Elusive Horizon coasted through a 45.40 half-mile and was never threatened. Gadget Queen, who came from off the pace to win the Washington Legislators Handicap in her most recent start, gave chase around the second turn but failed to gain in the final furlong. Screaminleapofaith, making her second career start on dirt after a series of grass races in Arizona and Minnesota, closed with a late rush for the show. Judicature, Eclatante, She's All Silk and Enumclaw Girl completed the order of finish.