Flying Notes triumphs at Emerald

AUBURN, Wash. - Flying Notes turned in the most spectacular performance in the track's 7-year history on Monday, winning the $125,000 Emerald Downs Breeders' Cup Derby by 11 1-4 lengths in 1:45.40, just two ticks off Simply Majestic's North American record for 1 1-8 miles on dirt.

Under Kevin Radke, who became the first rider to register six wins on a single card at Emerald, Flying Notes led through an ordinary half mile in 45.80, then turned on the burners when challenged by archrival Salt Grinder and sped away through six furlongs in 1:08.40 and a mile in 1:32.60 en route to his final clocking. Southern California invader World Light got up for second and Blowin in the Wind was third in the field of six.

Flying Notes, a Kentucky-bred son of French Deputy from the barn of Bud Klokstad, improved his record to six wins and three seconds from nine starts.

He earned $68,750 for owners Johnny and Ruth Lewis, boosting his career bankroll to $165,665.