AUBURN, Wash. – Franks Fix It led all the way and scored a one-length victory over Long Lance in Saturday’s $16,500 John Parker Racing Purse for 3-year-olds and up at Emerald Downs.
With Juan Gutierrez riding, Franks Fix It ran 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.76 on a sloppy track and paid $8.20 as a slight betting choice. Candi Cryderman is the winning trainer for owner John Parker of Lake Bay, Wash.
With the victory, Parker took a 16-15 lead over Greg Conley, Chuck Conley and Terra Firma Farm in the owners’ standings.
The victory aboard Franks Fix It capped a three-win night for Gutierrez, who remains in strong contention for the 2021 riding title. Julien Couton—who rode four winners Saturday—owns a 72-69 lead on defending champion Alex Cruz, with Gutierrez right behind with 68 wins.
Breaking from the outside post in a seven-horse field, Franks Fix It rocketed to the early lead and dictated the pace while setting fractions of :22.13, :44.64 and 1:10.13, and held off a slew of closers through the lane for the victory.
A 3-year-old Washington-bred gelding by Gold Aly, Franks Fix It has an overall record of 2-3-3 from 15 starts with earnings of $39,608. He has a 2-3-1 record in eight starts at the current meeting.
Long Lance encountered traffic problems on the turn and then finished strongly through the stretch, edging Forty Smooches for the place.
Rounding out the order of finish were Audace, A Gem Is a Gem, Devils Workshop and Linchpins Storm; American Buddha and Time ’n Time Again were scratched.
NOTES: Mutuel handle totaled $834,454 on a 10-race program. . .Trainer Jeff Metz scored wins with Guarding Elk Camp ($44) and Pin Up Lady ($14.40) and is one win shy of 300 wins at Emerald Downs. . .Pure Pursuit ($7.20) improved to 9 for 24 at Emerald Downs with a gate to wore score in race eight, running six furlongs in 1:09.80. . .Joe Toye leads Frank Lucarelli 28-23 in the trainers’ standings. . .2019 Longacres Mile third place finisher Restrainedvengence ($4.60) prevailed by a nose in the $200,000 Downs at Albuquerque Handicap for 3-year-olds and up. . .The $0.20 Pick Six Jackpot Carryover is $5,960.55. . . Live racing continues Sunday with first post 2:30 p.m.
Emerald Downs Press Release
Photo: Franks Fix It and jockey Juan Gutierrez (Emerald Downs/Erin and Reed Palmer)
