Top Executive, Blazingbellablu capture 3-year-old stakes

Top Executive took the lead after a quarter-mile and then turned back Bobby Brinkley in a thrilling stretch duel to win the Irish Day Stakes at Emerald Downs Sunday.

He paid $12.80 and posted a final time of 1:16.62 for his 1 ½-length victory in the 6 ½-furlong dash for 3-year-olds.

With Kevin Orozco riding, Top Executive was third at the first call and opened up a clear lead at the half-mile call. He was collared by Bobby Brinkley turning for home and the pair engaged in a stretch-long duel until Top Executive drew clear in the final yards. Naval Escort rallied from well back to finish third. Dutton, the 2-1 favorite, posted a quarter-mile time of 21.92 before fading to finish.

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A Kentucky-bred son of Street Boss, Top Executive is trained by Blaine Wright. He races for Gail and Gerald Schneider and John and Janene Maryanski.

Top Executive also won the $50,000 Auburn in his first start at the meet. The winner’s share of the purse boosted his earnings to $97,698.

Blazingbellablu was a decisive 2 ½-length winner over Broad Approval in the Kent Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. Sent off as the favorite in the 6 ½-furlong race, she paid $6.

Ridden by Alex Cruz, Blazingbellablu was mid-pack early, rallied midway on the turn, and took control soon after straightening out in the stretch. Broad Approval made a late move from along the rail but never looked like catching the winner. It was another 2 1/4 lengths back to third-place finisher Ms Lynn, who was last at the half-mile call.

The final time was 1:17.34.

Blazingbellablu is trained by Charles Essex. The Washington-bred daughter of Grazen is owned by Essex and Petra Lewin. It was her first stakes win and third straight victory at the meet.