Fly Over Tahoe has had the knack for running fast races but coming up short in the stretch.
That all changed Sunday when the consistent filly took command into the lane and pulled clear for a two-length victory in the $9,400 Sound Transit Purse at Emerald Downs.
With Leslie Mawing riding, Fly Over Tahoe ran six furlongs in 1:10 1/5 on a wet-fast track and paid $6.20, $3.40 and $3.40. Mike Jones is the trainer for owners 4 Blondes, A Brunette and A Redhead.
Fly Over Tahoe has finished at least third in seven of nine starts at the meet, but Sunday’s victory was her first since April 19 in her season debut.
The 5-year-old Washington-bred by Tahoe City has an overall mark of 4-2-6 in 15 starts and earnings of $30,339.
Rileighs Hot Pants, given a ground-saving trip by Juan Gutierrez, finished a game second and returned $6.60 and $4.20.
Shady Unlimited, ridden by Wilson Dieguez, finished well for third and paid $3.40 for show.
Gutierrez was the riding star with four straight winners in races three through six. Gutierrez, fifth in the standings with 77 wins, won the third race on Connor’s Buddy ($25.20), the fourth on Deceptive Miss ($2.40), the fifth on Bombay Beau ($5) and the sixth on Sharper Eagle ($4.80). It was the second four-win day for the 39-year-old native of Jalisco, Mexico.
In the race for leading rider, Seth Martinez and Ricky Frazier went a combined zero-for-17 and Martinez maintained his 112-108 lead in the standings.
The two riders have four more days to settle the title.
Notes: Gallyn Mitchell and trainer Vann Belvoir combined to win the eight races with Speed War ($5.40) and the 10th with Big Sky Vatti ($13.20). Mitchell has the top win percentage at the meet (22.3) and needs 11 victories in the final four days to become the fourth rider with 100 wins at the meet…Trainer Tim McCanna keeps adding on to his record season. He saddled Snipes Mountainman ($13.20) to a victory in the second race to make it 64 wins for the season. … The final week of racing begins Thursday with first post at 6 p.m.
