From Emerald Downs Publicity
AUBURN, Wash. (July 7, 2024) —
AUBURN, Wash. (July 7, 2024) – Vivacious Tribute, a Washington-bred son of California stallion Tom’s Tribute, sprinted clear early and powered home to a decisive one and three-quarter length victory in the $50,000 King County Express for 2-year-old colts & geldings Sunday at Emerald Downs.
With Karlo Lopez aboard for his first stakes victory at Emerald Downs, Vivacious Tribute covered 5 ½ furlongs in 1:03.79 and paid $5.76 as the second betting choice. Blaine Wright is the winning trainer for owner Margaret Root of Newport, Ore.
Vivacious Tribute set fractions of :21.51, :43.97, and :56.91, turned aside a challenge from Da Smoke into the stretch, and was clear to the wire.
Bodi Zafa, a first-time starter ridden by Leslie Mawing, flew between horses late to snatch second at odds of 8 to 1, while Big Bowie, the 6 to 5 favorite ridden by Isaias Enriquez, finished third. Da Smoke, Impassable, and He’s Not Talking completed the order of finish.
Now 2 for 2, including a maiden win four weeks ago, Vivacious Tribute earned $30,250 to boost his bankroll to $43,930. Bred in Washington by Jack and Margaret Root, Vivacious Tribute is by Tom’s Tribute out of the Into Mischief mare Vivacious Beauty.
Winner of the Turf Paradise Spring Futurity this spring, Big Bowie is also owned and bred by the Roots. Si That Tiger was scratched earlier in the day.
The $50,000 WTBOA Lads Stakes at 6 ½ furlongs is next for 2-year-old colts & geldings on Sunday, Aug. 4.