Mach One Rules prevails in W.T.B.O.A Lad Stakes

AUBURN, Wash. – Mach One Rules took advantage of some racing luck and his own quick turn of foot to record a narrow victory Saturday in the $58,500 W.T.B.O.A. Lads Stakes at Emerald Downs.

Mach One Rules, a slight favorite at 9-5 over the 2-1 Gold Rush Dancer, found himself with the lead and the rail after Gold Rush Dancer got bounced around at the break to lose his best chance. While Gold Rush Dancer moved into contention around the turn before running out of steam, Mach One Rules skimmed the rail and held off the 25-1 shot Viewingthegold to prevail by a head.

Ridden by Leslie Mawing for trainer Frank Lucarelli, Mach One Rules ran 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.78 and paid $5.80.

Viewingthegold, a first-time starter, finished four lengths ahead of Gold Rush Dancer, who was followed by Cross Creek, Noble Nick, Huya, Endangered, and Wando Cat in a field of eight 2-year-old colts and geldings.

Mach One Rules, a $40,000 purchase at the 2014 W.T.B.O.A. yearling sale, earned $32,175 for owner Roy Schaefer of Port Orchard, Wash. Mach One Rules is by Harbor the Gold and from the Distinctive Cat mare Felice the Cat. In his only previous start, he won a five-furlong maiden race by 3 3/4 lengths.