From Emerald Downs Publicity
AUBURN, Wash. (July 25, 2021) — Continuing her ascendancy in the sophomore filly ranks, Blazingbellablu powered to the lead into the stretch and drew off for a 2 ¼-length victory over Broad Approval in the $50,000 Kent Stakes for 3-year-old fillies.
With Alex Cruz riding at 120 lbs., Blazingbellablu ran 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.34 and paid $6 as the betting favorite. Charles Essex is the winning trainer and co-owner with Petra Lewin of Centralia, Wash.
Blazingbellablu — a Washington-bred daughter of California stallion Grazen — earned $27,500 to increase her career total to $66,958. Her overall mark is 3-2-0 from six starts, including three straight victories at Emerald Downs.
In the Kent, Blazingbellablu raced slightly off the pace as Coastal Son set fractions of :22.39 and :45.26 for the quarter and half-mile. The winner advanced three deep on the turn, overtook Coastal Son and Zippin Sevenz into the lane, and proved clearly best through the stretch.
Canadian shipper Broad Approval, ridden by Kevin Radke at 119 lbs, rallied inside to finish second, while Ms Lynn, ridden by Julien Couton at 122 lbs, flew late for third place. Zippin Sevenz, La Una, Camden High, Coastal Run and Oreo’s Dream completed the order of finish.
Cruz, who rode Ms Lynn to a 17 to 1 upset in the Seattle Stakes last month, was faced with a difficult choice on which filly to ride in the Kent.
“It was a tough decision to make, but we made the right decision in the end,” Cruz said.
The 3-year-olds reconvene at Emerald Downs on Sunday, August 29, for the $50,000 Muckleshoot Derby for colts and geldings and $50,000 Washington Oaks for fillies.