Kaabraaj Sets Emerald Downs Track Record
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Photo: Reed & Erin Palmer/Emerald Downs
Washington-bred 4-year-old Kaabraaj sets track and state record of 1:06.86 for six furlongs in $21,800 feature race at Emerald Downs.
Kaabraaj lowered Emerald Downs' track record for six furlongs April 23, covering the distance in 1:06.86 in the day's eighth race.
With the win in the $21,800 allowance event for 3-year-olds and older, the 4-year-old Washington-bred gelding eclipsed the previous record of 1:07 set by Atta Boy Roy in the 2009 Chinook Pass Stakes and equaled by Noosa Beach in the 2010 Seattle Handicap.
Ridden by Juan Gutierrez, Kaabraaj dueled with Betrbegone through a quarter-mile in :21.58, before kicking clear into the turn to run a half-mile in :43.47. He was three lengths clear in midstretch and had plenty in reserve to hold off Prime Engine by 2 1/4 lengths.
Jeff Metz trains Kaabraaj, a son of Abraaj—Kaaaching, by Special River, for owners Horseplayers Racing Club 240, Woodway Stable, and Warlock Stables. The half brother to multiple stakes winner Follow the Lite was bred by Clemans View Farm.
Abraaj, a 13-year-old son of Carson City, stands at El Dorado Farms in Washington.
Metz said Kaabraaj might have enjoyed a fitness advantage Saturday, but still was awed by the performance.
"He was the only horse who had a race under his belt this year, but he got going into a nice rhythm and nice stride," Metz said. "I gave Juan the green light to ride the race the way he wanted, and he broke great and went on with it.
"It was a great performance. Hats off to that little horse."