Boundtogetbusy dominated his opposition Sunday while posting a four-length victory in the $18,000 feature race for 3-year-olds at Emerald Downs. The lightly raced gelding—a full brother to multiple stakes winner Bound to Be M V P—ran 5 ½ furlongs in a brisk 1:02 1/5, and paid $3.40, $2.40 and $2.10. Troy Stilwell rode the winner for trainer Charles Essex and owners K J Star Stable and Brad Case. A Washington-bred by Snowbound-Blue Boy’s Janet, Boundtogetbusy was making his first Emerald Downs appearance in the Sunday feature, following a Turf Paradise campaign that netted a win and two seconds from three starts. Breaking from the No. 2 post, Boundtogetbusy took command soon after the start and set fractions of 21 2/5 and 44 1/5. Boundtogetbusy lengthened the lead to three lengths into the stretch and was never threatened, even while geared down late.
“He did it pretty easy, he’s probably the best 3-year-old I’ve ever been on,” said Stillwell, tied with Juan Gutierrez for leading rider at 9 wins apiece. Boundtogetbusy, 2-2-0 from four starts, earned $9,900 to bump his earnings to $21,900. Bogachiel, ridden by Ricky Frazier, held second and paid $6.40 and $3.20. Rescue Plan, Seth Martinez riding, finished third and paid $2.40.
NOTES:
Veteran trainer Bill Tollett won his 200th race at Emerald Downs as Pats Lil ($3.60) broke her maiden in the fourth race under jockey Robert Burney. Tollett is 4-1-1 in just six starts, and his wife Donna was honored as Owner of the Week. Tollett is the 14th trainer to win 200 races at EmD…Long-time breeder Petra Lewin accomplished her first victory as a trainer with Expressa ($5) in Sunday’s second race…Hats off to 85-year-old trainer Don Munger for his first win of the meet, a $41.60 surprise by Strategic Patience in the sixth race…Live racing resumes Friday at 6 p.m. Simulcast wagering is offered Wednesday-Sunday at Emerald Downs.