Summerland dominant in Emerald Downs Handicap

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Summerland couldn’t have been more impressive in winning the $50,000 Emerald Downs Handicap at Hastings on Saturday.

With usual rider Enrique Gonzalez aboard, she reeled off quick interior fractions of 21.84 and 44.92 seconds in the 6 1/2-furlong dash for 3-year-old fillies. She was under mild pressure early from Dancin Shoes, opened up a clear lead on the stretch turn and drew off to win by a six lengths over Warrior’s Promise, who rallied along the rail. Dancin Shoes finished a length in front of Notice, who completed the field.

The final time of 1:16.21 is the fastest at the meet. Summerland paid $2.30 to win and $2.10 to place. There was no show wagering. Of the $73,338 in the place pool, $67,320 was attributed to Summerland.

The Phil Hall-trained daughter of He’s Tops remained undefeated in seven starts in Canada, with her lone defeat coming in the Grade 2 Sorrento at Del Mar last year. In her first start this year, Summerland was an easy winner of the $50,000 Ross McLeod on May 4.

“She gave us some pretty good races last year, and I put her on the van to Del Mar for a reason,” said Hall. “She’s not a big filly, but she has a big heart.”

She was bred in Kentucky by George Gilbert and Tres Hombres. Gilbert owns the talented filly.