Tequila Gold won the battle and the war Thursday night at Emerald Downs.
The Harbor the Gold gelding put away Newfound Gold into the stretch and then held off Stormin’ Patrick late for a five-length victory in the $12,100 Ashbaugh Beal Purse for 3-year-olds. With Troy Stilwell riding, Tequila Gold ran six furlongs in 1 minute, 9 3/5 seconds on a fast track and paid $15.60, $7 and $4.20, Charles Essex is the trainer for owner Kimberly Nobles.
Stormin’ Patrick, ridden by Gallyn Mitchell, finished second and paid $4 and $3.20. Newfound Gold, with Matt Hagerty riding, held third and paid $4.60.
Tequila Gold dueled with Newfound Gold through fractions of :21 4/5 and :44 3/5, kicked two lengths clear into the stretch and drew off through the lane. It was the second straight victory for Tequila Gold this season and the $6,655 first prize bumped his earnings to $11,330.
A Washington-bred by Harbor the Gold-Onorena, Tequila Gold has an overall mark of 2-0-0 in three starts, and his sire continues to enjoy a great season at Emerald Downs. Progeny of Harbor the Gold—Couldabenthewhisky and Carrabelle Harbor—captured both stakes last weekend for 2-year-olds.
Warrior Jon, Mobius and Humongous completed the order of finish. Newfound Gold was claimed for $15,000 by trainer Larry Ross for owner Richard Beal, and Warrior Jon was claimed for $15,000 by trainer Vince Gibson for owner John Minder.
News and Notes
• Miguel Perez picked up his first Emerald Downs victory since 2005 aboard Ms Golden Gardens ($6.60) in the first race.
• Frank Lucarelli saddled two winners and tied Vann Balvoir 37-37 for first place in the trainers’ standings. Lucarelli won the second race with Alittlebitfamous ($3.40) and the seventh with Little lady Lo ($11.80).
• Juan Gutierrez rode two winners and solidified his hold on second place with 56 wins. Leading rider Ricky Frazier rode one winner, his 69th of the meeting.
• Live racing continues Friday with first post at 6 p.m.