Riser tops familiar Blaine Wright exacta in Emerald Downs Derby

In an impressive display of speed and stamina, Riser set fast fractions on his way to winning the $75,900 Emerald Downs Derby on Sunday. He paid $4.40 as the favorite in the 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds.

Breaking sharply with Eswan Flores aboard, Riser quickly established a clear lead over his four rivals in the richest race for sophomores at Emerald. He held a three-length advantage over Monydontspentitself after a half-mile in 45.80 seconds, and was still two lengths clear after six furlongs in 1:09.78. Monydontspenitself had enough midstretch. Aqua Frio, five-lengths back with a furlong go to, closed with a rush but never really felt like winning while coming up 1 1/4 lengths short of his stablemate. More Power to Him rallied from last to finish a head behind Aqua Frio.

The final time was 1:49.41.

It was the third straight stakes race for sophomores at Emerald that the Blaine Wright-trained duo made up the exacta. Riser won the Coca-Cola prior to being the runner-up to Aqua Frio in the Seattle Slew. The son of Mizzen Mast wrapped up local divisional honors with the win in the Derby.

“He was going fast, but he does it easy,” said Flores. “Blaine did a great job. It isn’t easy to get a horse to go 45 and win going a mile and an eighth. He’s a real warrior.”

Riser is owned by Chappell Alipine Farms. The winner’s share brought his career earnings to $106,095.

With the win, Riser is eligible for the $25,000 bonus available for a horse that sweeps the Emerald Downs Derby and the Grade 3, $150,000 British Columbia Derby at Hastings on Sept. 9.