Cobra Jet Romps In King County Express
AUBURN, Wash. (July 18, 2021) – Heavily favored Cobra Jet remained unbeaten Sunday with a dominating 13 ½-length victory in the $50,000 King County Express for 2-year-old colts and geldings at Emerald Downs.
With Juan Gutierrez aboard at 121 lbs., Cobra Jet ran 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.13 and paid $2.20 as the overwhelming choice in the field of five. Frank Lucarelli is the winning trainer and co-owner with REV Racing and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners.
Gutierrez wore the black and light blue silks of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners in Sunday’s race. Headed by Aron Wellman of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Eclipse bought a share of the dark bay gelding following his 6 ¾-length maiden score on June 30.
Breaking from the No. 4 post-position, Cobra Jet dueled with Firewalker through fractions of :21.59 and :45.47, gained command into the stretch and drew off to win with complete authority.
Purchased for $5,500 as a yearling, Cobra Jet earned $27,522 to boost his bankroll to $38,715 from two starts. The winner is a Washington-bred gelding by Curlin to Mischief.
Chumly, the 4 to 1 second choice ridden by Kyle Frey at 119 lbs, overhauled Firewalker in the stretch to finish second, while Firewalker, ridded by Jennifer Whitaker, held third. Bat Man’s Bull and Firing Pin rounded out the order of finish.
For Gutierrez, it was his second stakes win of the season and 70th career stakes victory at Emerald Downs. Gallyn Mitchell with 80 stakes wins and Ricky Frazier with 72 rank first and second all-time.
Lucarelli has 54 career stakes wins at Emerald Downs, second only to Doris Harwood (67) on the all-time list.
King County Councilman Pete Von Reichbauer made the trophy presentation to Roy Schaefer (REV Racing) in the winner’s circle.