Emerald Downs July 6, 2024 - Analysis, picks, and predictions

Pick Pony | July 4, 2024, 3:52 p.m.

About Emerald Downs

A beautiful track in the shadow of Mount Rainier

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.

Emerald Downs July 6, 2024 entries, picks, and predictions

Race 1

Win: Littlequeenofmean
Place: Out Of Stars
Show: Chrome’s Best Copy
Other contenders to consider: Drinkup Buttercup

Race 2

Win: Chinook Bend
Place: Arizona Davin
Show: Long Gone Silver
Other contenders to consider: Crazy Storm, Dream Time

Race 3

Win: In The Vault
Place: Ms Flashy Harbor 
Show: Smiling Thunder
Other contenders to consider: Stein’s Girl

Race 4

Win: Bluegrass Go Go
Place: R Barracuda
Show: Sir Argento
Other contenders to consider: Elder Mack, Drive Train

Race 5

Win: Dyf
Place: Surprise Fashion
Show: Socal Red
Other contenders to consider: Playoff Bound

Race 6

Win: Candied Lute
Place: Napoletano
Show: Foreign Protocol
Other contenders to consider: Torpedo Away, Blaze Of Dreams

Race 7 Angie C. Stakes

Win: Company Girl
Place: Coconut Dreams
Show: Her Blind Side
Other 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.

Race 8

Win: Candied Joule
Place: Ask Alice
Show: Hot Lava Cake
Other contenders to consider: Hey Barmaid