Gallon runs down stablemate

AUBURN, Wash. - Heavily favored Gallon ($3.40) turned on the afterburners to catch uncoupled stablemate Cafe Tortoni in the final strides en route to a neck victory in Saturday's $49,500 WTBA Lads Stakes for 2-year-olds at Emerald Downs.

Ice Cube held third after dueling with Cafe Tortoni for the early advantage.

Gallon, a son of Victory Gallop who races for Mike and Amy Feuerborn, made up three lengths through the final furlong to cover the mile in 1:37.20. He was ridden by Leslie Mawing and is trained by Jim Penney, who also trains the runner-up.

Gallon earned $27,255 for his owners. It was the first official win from three starts for Gallon, who was disqualified from an apparent win in the Premio Esmeralda Stakes in his previous outing.