Liberty Lake held off Lizzy Lass for a half-length victory Friday in the $13,600 feature race for older fillies and mares at Emerald Downs.
Ridden by Julien Couton—extending his streak to nine straight days with at least one win—Liberty Lake ran six furlongs in 1:10.57 and paid $15.40, $5.20 and $4. Husband and wife Robbie and Bonnie Baze are the winning trainer and owner.
The victory made amends for a head defeat to Lizzy Lass two weeks ago, and was only the third victory in 29 career starts for the 6-year-old mare. A Washington-bred by Liberty Gold-Artic-Mist, Liberty Lake has been a steady performer, however, compiling seven seconds, nine thirds and $61,733 in purses, including $7,480 for Friday’s triumph.
Lizzy Lass, ridden by Gallyn Mitchell, rallied through the lane and was slowly getting to the winner. Lizzy Lass—who now has 14 wins and seven seconds in a 50-race career—paid $5 and $3.40.
Maggie’s Special, a 25-to-1 long shot ridden by Connie Doll, rallied from last to finish third and paid $5.80.
Acute and Among the Stars completed the order of finish,
Among the Stars, the 3-to-5 betting favorite, led Liberty Lake through fractions of :22.43 and :45.21 for the quarter and half-mile. But Liberty Lake gained control into the stretch, drew 2 ½ lengths clear at the eighth-pole, and held Lizzy Lass off late.
NOTES: Couton swept the late double with Liberty Lake and Whiskey Prince ($5.60), and has wins on nine straight racing days and 10 of the first 11. Couton has six multiple-win days and leads Juan Gutierrez 18-13 in the standings. . .Ain’t Tellin’ ($4), Cha Cha Latte($4) and Whiskey Prince became the meet’s fourth, fifth and sixth two-time winners, scoring victories in races four, five and seven. They joined Parkers Bluff, Calculated Chaos andPerfectly Legal as double winners at the meet. . .A 6-year-old After Market mare, Cha Cha Latte is 6-for-9 at Emerald Downs and 12-for-27 lifetime. . .A season-high four horses were claimed in race five including Cha Cha Latte, who went to owner Terri Morrow and trainerCliff Balcom for $5,000. . .Trainer Gary Lonctot and owner Bryan Smith, who won with 3-of-5 starters last year, scored with first-time starter Westley ($16.20) in Friday’s second race. A 4-year-old Washington-bred by Houseofroyalhearts-Mira’s Magic, Westley won by 7 ¼ lengths, running six furlongs in 1:11.16. . .Emerald Downs newcomer Manny Ortizfinished second with his first two starters of the meet, Cowboy Clyde at 14-to-1 in race four and Hollywood Hitman at 3-to-1 in race seven. Tracy Lebret claimed the latter for $3,500, one of seven claims on Friday’s seven-race card. . .Live racing continues Saturday with first post 2 p.m. The 140th Preakness Stakes, featuring Kentucky Derby winner American Pharoah, will be simulcast between the third and fourth races with post time 3:18 p.m.
