Blackford forged to the lead late and scored a big upset in the $11,200 Muckleshoot Casino Purse on Monday evening at Emerald Downs.
With Julien Couton riding his third winner on the card, Blackford ran one mile in 1:36.97 and paid $29, $12.60 and $7.80. Joe Toye, continuing a dream season, is the winning trainer for owners Bill Jensen and Gary Olson.
A 6-year-old by the noted turf sire Unusual Heat, Blackford had been winless in 17 previous starts on dirt, but was coming off a decent fourth in his local debut last month. The chestnut gelding has an overall record of 4-6-7 in 40 starts with earnings of $88,028.
Hot Bobby, ridden by apprentice Kevin Orozco, rallied from far back to finish second and paid $6.40 and $3.80. A 5-year-old Raise the Bluff gelding, Hot Bobby has a win and two seconds in three starts at the meet.
Italian Warrior, ridden by Jose Zunino, finished third and paid $4 to show.
Eddington’s Star, the 2-to-1 betting favorite, led through six furlongs in 1:11.56 and gave way to finish seventh.
Toye is 14-for-43 this season, including two wins Monday.
Notes
Robbie Baze saddled three winners on the card including double-digit victors Cat Camille ($10) and Vaquero Gold ($18.60) in races seven and 10. … Trainer Blaine Wright made it six straight winning days as John and Janene Maryanskis Elusive Riches ($3.80) prevailed in race eight for $15,000 claiming fillies and mares. Wright has wins on 10 of the last 11 cards and leads Frank Lucarelli 29-17 in the trainers’ standings. … In the Quarter Horse world, 2015 Bank of America Emerald Downs Championship Challenge winner Bh Lisas Boy continues to win everything in sight. The 5-year-old Idaho-bred captured Sunday’s Grade 1 Vessels Maturity at Los Alamitos, and is 15-for-25 lifetime for owner/trainer Bill Hoburg of Kennewick. … Reminder there is no live racing Tuesday but Emerald Downs is open for simulcast wagering, including Alert Bay in the $100,000 American Stakes (Grade 3) on closing day at Santa Anita. … Live racing resumes Friday at 6:30 p.m., including a $5,065 carryover in the $0.20 Pick 7. First post is 6:30 p.m.
