Sippin Fire runs away with Washington Cup Sophomore

As expected, Sippin Fire had an easy time winning the $50,000 Washington Cup Sophomore at Emerald Downs on Sunday.

He paid $2.60 for his 3 1/4-length win over Boundary Bay in the one-mile race restricted to Washington- or British Columbia-bred or sired 3-year-olds.

With leading rider Rocco Bowen aboard, Sippin Fire was in a stalking position while Boundary Bay posted a half-mile time of 47.33 seconds. He started to move into contention on the stretch turn, took the lead turning for home, and was ridden out while drawing away from his overmatched opponents. Boundary Bay was headed midstretch by Elliot Bay, but he fought back gamely to edge Elliot Bay by a neck for the runner-up spot.

The final time was 1:35.89.

It was the fourth straight stakes win for Sippin Fire, who gave up a chance for a $100,000 bonus by running in the Washintgon Cup Sophomore instead of the Grade 3, $150,000 British Columbia Derby at Hastings on Sept. 8. He won the $50,000 Muckleshoot Derby in his previous start. The Muckleshoot Derby was the first leg of the Northwest Triple, which includes the B. C. Derby and the $100,000 Getaway Stakes at Emerald. With a win in the B. C. Derby and the $100,000 Getaway Stakes, he would have received the bonus.

The Washington-bred son of Harbor the Gold is trained by Steve Bullock.

Washington Cup Sophomore Fillies

In the $50,000 Washington Cup Sophomore Fillies, Dontkissntell was a three-length winner over heavily favored Brilliant Bird. Spot On finished a distant third with Jupiter S. fading to last after dueling with Dontkissntell early in the one-mile race that was contested with four horses.

Dontkissntell paid $7.00 and posted a final time of 1:36.60.

The British Columbia-bred daughter of Rosberg was ridden by Eswan Flores for trainer Tom Wenzel. She is owned by Karl Krieg.