You have no new notifications
Pick Pony | July 4, 2024, 3:52 p.m.
Emerald Downs opened to race fans on June 20, 1996, with its first 100-day meet running through November 4. It replaced Longacres Racetrack, which closed in September 1992 after sixty seasons of racing. Racing was not held in Western Washington from 1993 to 1995 following Longacres' closure. However, Thoroughbred racing continued at Yakima Meadows and Playfair Race Course in Spokane during this time. From 1996 to 2015, Emerald Downs operated as a Limited Partnership with a group of investors led by Ron Crockett. In 2002, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe purchased the land where Emerald Downs is located for approximately $70 million. They acquired the track buildings and facilities and formed Emerald Downs Racing LLC in 2015. The Tribe has made several improvements since taking over, including a 1,150 square foot infield big screen. Emerald Downs celebrated its 20th anniversary on Monday, June 20, 2016, with a special night of racing featuring many stars from the track's first two decades.
The Emerald Downs track is a one-mile oval in the shadow of Mount Rainier. The track surface is made of geo-textile fabric, washed rock, coarse sand, and one-component track material. However, there is no turf course. The tote board is located in the center of the oval track.
The Emerald Downs infield is designed as a storm system that can handle all storm runoff for the entire southern portion of the track property, including rooftops, parking lots, and the racetrack surface. Before releasing any water, Emerald Downs tests for turbidity and PH levels. Samples are also sent to a lab for further testing of dissolved oxygen, ammonia, and fecal coliform levels. Finally, the water is released into Mill Creek at a controlled rate to help prevent downstream flooding. Much of the infield is underwater during fall and winter, creating a habitat for ducks, geese, and other small wildlife.
Win: LittlequeenofmeanPlace: Out Of StarsShow: Chrome’s Best CopyOther contenders to consider: Drinkup Buttercup
Win: Chinook BendPlace: Arizona DavinShow: Long Gone SilverOther contenders to consider: Crazy Storm, Dream Time
Win: In The VaultPlace: Ms Flashy Harbor Show: Smiling ThunderOther contenders to consider: Stein’s Girl
Win: Bluegrass Go GoPlace: R BarracudaShow: Sir ArgentoOther contenders to consider: Elder Mack, Drive Train
Win: DyfPlace: Surprise FashionShow: Socal RedOther contenders to consider: Playoff Bound
Win: Candied LutePlace: NapoletanoShow: Foreign ProtocolOther contenders to consider: Torpedo Away, Blaze Of Dreams
Win: Company GirlPlace: Coconut DreamsShow: Her Blind SideOther contenders to consider: Stellzone, Violet Kitten
Who doesn’t love a race for two-year-olds with little to no racing experience but have their whole careers ahead of them? Oh, well. We’ll toss our guesses in with everyone else.
Company Girl
The fastest horse in a race this short has to be given top priority. However, she’ll go in with the underlay so it won’t matter this round anyway. Moving on…
Coconut Dreams
Without much to go on, we tend to put more emphasis on works and this is where Coconut Dreams has really shone. This little filly turns in consistently strong times - and she appears to be peaking. Her speed is near the top of this class, too.
Her Blind Side
Her Blind Side has turned in some great works to go with her one-race experience. But hey, with horses this young, even a single race under her belt is a terrific advantage. Top her off with a stellar early pace, and we think she could lead the way to the tote board.
Stellzone
Frank Lucaralli has three entries in this race, and given his winning track record, especially here at Emerald Downs, you can’t help but presume anything he enters will do well. Adding the top jockey in this race leads us to believe this is the one Lucarilli is putting all his money down on. She’ll almost certainly finish in the money.
Violet Kitten
Frank Lucaralli’s second of three entries, Violet Kitten, has no race experience, but given the immaturity of these horses, the inside post is a vital position to start from. All she has to do is run, run, run, which we feel Lucaralli has probably successfully trained her to do. Watch for the overlay and bet accordingly.
Win: Candied JoulePlace: Ask AliceShow: Hot Lava CakeOther contenders to consider: Hey Barmaid