From Emerald Downs Publicity
AUBURN, Wash. (June 24, 2023) — In the $50,000 Hastings Stakes for older fillies and mares, Blazingbellablu held off Slack Tide for a half-length victory in a stakes record-tying 1:08.27 for six furlongs.
Ridden by Alex Cruz at 119 lbs. and trained by Charles Essex, Blazingbellablu earned $27,500 for co-owners Essex and Petra Lewin, boosting her career total to $238,211. Washington’s Horse of the Year in 2021, Blazingbellablu now has three Emerald Downs stakes wins and is 5-2-0 in nine career starts here.
A 5-year-old Washington-bred by California stallion Grazen, Blazingbellablu has an overall record of 7-5-2 from 18 starts including two stakes wins at Turf Paradise. Sunday’s race was her first of 2023 and improved her record to 4-1-1 in six career starts at six furlongs.
Third choice in the wagering, Blazingbellablu paid $8.80 to win.
In last place early, Blazingbellablu circled three wide into the lane and hooked into Slack Tide, with the two classy distaffers battling head and head to the wire with Blazingbellablu proving slightly best.
Slack Tide, with Luis Negron aboard at 119 lbs., gained command after a half-mile in :44.17, and battled bravely when challenged by Blazingbellablu into the stretch.
Slack Tide, also a triple stakes winner at Emerald Downs, has a 3-3-0 record in seven starts at Emerald Downs for trainer Blaine Wright and owner Ten Broeck Farm.
It was 4 ½ length back to Cause She’s a Lady in third place while Zazen, Silvery Orb, You Go Girl, and Daffodil Sweet rounded out the order of finish. Lets Declare Peace was scratched earlier in the day.