Elusive Horizon stays perfect at two turns

AUBURN, Wash. - Elusive Horizon remained unbeaten in six starts around two turns with a neck victory Sunday in the $100,000 Emerald Distaff on the Longacres Mile undercard at Emerald Downs.

The 3-2 wagering favorite ridden by Juan Gutierrez for trainer Doris Harwood, Elusive Horizon ran nine furlongs in 1:47, the fastest time by a filly or mare in Emerald Downs history. A Kentucky-bred 4-year-old by Elusive Quality, she led throughout and turned back a belated bid from Gadget Queen in the final yards. Christmas Ship, second behind Elusive Horizon in the 2008 Washington Oaks, finished third, followed by Blue Sky Holiday, Screaminleapofaith, 5-2 second choice Holy Nova, and Shezaluckypenny.

A five-time stakes winner at Emerald Downs, Elusive Horizon has won 8 of 14 starts for owner Jerre Paxton's Northwest Farms. The $55,000 first-place money pushed her career earnings to $241,715.