Top Executive, Ms Lynn capture stakes at Emerald Downs
Top Executive paid $6.80 for his three-quarter-length victory over Big Duke in the $50,000 Auburn Stakes at Emerald Downs Sunday.
The final time for the six-furlong dash for 3-year-olds was 1:09.51.
After breaking from the outside post with Kevin Orozco aboard in the five-horse field, Top Executive sat just off the early leaders for the first quarter-mile. He made a strong move while going three wide around the turn, opened up a clear lead in the stretch, and was able to hold off the late bid from Big Duke. Big Duke might have been best, but he had a rough trip, beginning with getting bumped at the start. He also had to steady at the five-sixteenths mark. After forcing the issue early, Big Endeavor held on to finish third.
The shape of the race changed dramatically when, Dutton, last year’s 2-year-old champ, was scratched after acting up in the starting gate. He was never headed in three starts as a juvenile and was entered to make his first start at 3.
A Kentucky-bred gelding by Street Boss, Top Executive is trained by Blaine Wright. He races for Gail and Gerald Schneider and John and Janene Maryanski.
Ms Lynn rallied from along the rail to upset the $50,000 Seattle for 3-year-old fillies. She paid $37.80 for her 1 ½-length victory over Camden High, another longshot who was sent off at over 21-1 in the six-furlong sprint. The $1 2-5 exacta paid $243.10.
Ridden by Alex Cruz, Ms Lynn was biding her time while Coastal Run carved out rapid interior fractions of 21.33 and 44.10 seconds. Just after the first call, Ms Lynn had to steady sharply and dropped back to last. She moved within range turning for home, and after Cruz angled her down to the rail she finished with a rush. Camden High rallied to get up for second over La Una, who also showed up late.
The final time was 1:10.14.
Trained by Roy Lumm, Ms Lynn is owned by Ronald Bohman.
It was the first stakes win for the homebred daughter of Linchpin. Ms Lynn went into the race off a victory in a $15,000 claiming race for nonwinners of two at Emerald on June 9.