Fuzzy Dolphin redeems himself

Running with blinkers for the first time, Fuzzy Dolphin broke sharply and took them all the way in the $50,000 Washington Cup Juvenile Colts and Geldings Stakes at Emerald Downs on Sunday.

He paid $12.60 for his one-length victory over a determined Time ‘n Time Again in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint.

With Kevin Orozco aboard, Fuzzy Dolphin got the jump on his 11 opponents and carved out interior fractions of 22.07 and 44.57 seconds while being chased by Bootlegger Trail and Time ‘n Time Again. Bootlegger Trail backed out of contention midstretch, and Fuzzy Dolphin was able to hold off Time ‘n Time Again, who held on well to finish a clear second over Ally On Fire.

The final time was 1:17.66.

Fuzzy Dolphin redeemed himself after finishing seventh as the favorite in the $45,000 WTBOA Lads in his previous start for trainer Frank Lucarelli.

“We were very disappointed with his last race,” Lucarelli said. “He just wasn’t focused, so we added blinkers, and it worked out well.”

“Frank told me to get him out of there and let him run his race,” Orozco said. “He broke sharply and he was on his game today.”

The son of Harbor the Gold is owned by JK Racing.

Washington Cup Juvenile Fillies

In the Washington Cup Juvenile Fillies heavily favored Money Inthe Starrs overtook So Figure It Out midstretch and went on to win the 6 1/2-furlong dash by 1 3/4 lengths. So Figure It Out set the pace and was game in defeat while finishing second. Lorelie G was never a threat to the top while finishing third.

With Javier Matias riding, Money Inthe Starrs posted a final time of 1:17.88 and paid $3.60.

Trained by Mike Puhich, the daughter of Abraaj is owned by Mark Dedomenico.