Snug wins Gold Cup; Costa Rising fifth

Snug dueled throughout but still had enough left to win the the $75,000 Gold Cup on Friday night at Delta Downs. Snug won by a neck over a fast-closing Tortuga Straits, with Costa Rising, the 1-2 favorite, seven and a quarter lengths back in fifth.

Snug ($11.60) dueled with Classy Delights through fractions of 22.92 seconds for the opening quarter, 46.88 for the half-mile and 1:13.09 for six furlongs. He went on to cover the seven furlongs, which was run around two turns, in 1:26.59.

Diego Saenz rode Snug for trainer Jim Hudson. The horse earned $45,000 for the win. Snug has now won 5 of 16 starts and $279,950 for his owner and breeder, Heiligbrodt Racing Stables.

Classy Deelites held third in the Gold Cup, a nose behind Tortuga Straits.

Costa Rising was unable to reach contention in the race for which he was cutting back in distance.