Canadian shipper Bayakoas Image powered to the lead into the stretch and drew off for a 5 ¾-length victory in the $50,000 Washington Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington.
Ridden by Alexander Marti at 121 lbs. Bayakoas Image covered the mile and one-sixteenth in 1:42.74 and paid $7.80 as the second choice in the wagering. Kay Cooper handled saddling chores at Emerald Downs for owners Brian O’Connell and Joanne Todd of Vancouver, British Columbia.
The winner stalked Curious Sensation through six furlongs in 1:11.99, took command a quarter mile from home and drew off to win with complete authority.
“When I asked her at the quarter-pole, she flew home,” Marti said. “She’s such a good filly.”
A British Columbia-bred by Lent, Bayakoas Image won three of four starts this summer at Hastings Racecourse including a recent allowance victory at Sunday’s Oaks distance. Her overall record is 4-2-0 from seven starts with earnings of $71,994 including $27,500 for Sunday’s triumph.
Broad Approval, the 2 to 1 favorite ridden by Leslie Mawing at 121 lbs., rallied from eighth to take second place for trainer Sandi Gann and owner Glen Todd. A Daughter of Carpe Diem, Broad Approval finished runner-up to Bayakoas Image twice this summer at Hastings and most recently second to Blazingbellablu in the Kent Stakes at Emerald Downs.
Ms Lynn, a 16 to 1 outsider ridden by Julien Couton at 121 lbs, edged Blazingbellablu for third place.
Blazingbellablu, co-second choice at 5 to 2, had her three-race winning streak snapped while settling for fourth. Rounding out the order of finish were Our Lyla Grace, Curious Sensation and Stellaczar (dead heat for seventh), La Una, Aquinas, and Street Shadow.
Tempered Steel, dam of Bayakoas Image, was a triple stakes winner at Hastings Racecourse while Marti currently ranks third with 31 wins at the Vancouver track.
More from Horses:
