Two Emmys gets easy pace, coasts to win in Muniz
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
NEW ORLEANS – Hugh Robertson and Bill Mott go way back, to starting out rooming together on the fair circuit in Nebraska, and on Saturday at Fair Grounds, the two accomplished trainers won significant Grade 2 stakes a half-hour apart, leading to an impromptu celebration in the winner’s circle.
Robertson got the money with Two Emmys, who, in a race similar to his victory last summer in the Mr D. – formerly the Arlington Million – led start to finish under James Graham to take the $300,000 Muniz Memorial Classic for older grass runners.
Mott a race earlier had sent out Olympiad to win the New Orleans Classic, and after photos were taken following the Muniz, Mott came into the winner’s circle to share some laughs and memories with Robertson.
“He taught me everything I know,” Mott said. “We were rooming in Lincoln, Columbus, dodging the rent.”
“Too busted to pay,” Robertson said.
Robertson was flush Saturday. Two Emmys – whom Robertson co-owns with Randy Wolfe – got away with a 49.83-second opening half for the 1 1/8-mile race and never looked back. He was up by four lengths at midstretch and coasted home 2 1/2 lengths in front of 2-1 favorite Santin. He paid $13.20 to win after covering nine furlongs on firm turf in a hand-timed 1:49.83 and getting a 102 Beyer Speed Figure.
Calvary Charge was third and was followed, in order, by Sacred Life, Devamani, Forty Under, Captivating Moon, Another Mystery, and Peacock Kitten. The late runners had no chance. The top three were 1-2-3 the whole way.
Two Emmys had finished 10th of 11 in his previous start, the Grade 3 Fair Grounds, that following two narrow losses after his Mr. D. triumph.
“Scoped him, took some blood, everything was fine,” Robertson said. “I guess he just didn’t feel like running.”
:: Want to start playing with a $510 bankroll and have access to free Formulator? Learn more
He did on Saturday. Two Emmys made the top comfortably and had his speed doled out by Graham.
“He’ll run all day if you let him gallop along,” Robertson said.
The win was the fifth in 20 starts for Two Emmys, 6, a gelding by English Channel out of the Buddha mare Miss Emmy. He is 3 for 9 on the Fair Grounds turf, and has finished in the money here seven times.
Robertson said he would send Two Emmys to his son Mac at Oaklawn Park in coming days, and have him prepared there for the Elkhorn at Keeneland next month.