Opportunistic Denies Barkley in Emerald Derby

The Munnings   colt Barkley did everything he could to remain undefeated, but the improving Sky Mesa   gelding Opportunistic just got the better of him in the $75,100 Emerald Downs Derby for 3-year-olds July 31 at the Washington racetrack.

Owned by Mark DeDomenico and North American Thoroughbred Horse Company, Opportunistic, a $50,000 Keeneland September yearling sale purchase, rallied from fifth early to collar Barkley by a neck in 1:47.92 for 1 1/8 miles on a track rated fast. The winner was ridden by David Lopez for trainer Mike Puhich.

It was the second consecutive stakes win for Opportunistic, who captured the Chris Loseth Handicap at Hastings Racecourse July 11. Under a two-track promotion, Opportunistic is now eligible for a $25,000 (Canadian) bonus should he win the Sept. 10 British Columbia Derby at Hastings.

"He's growing up mentally," Lopez said. "He won very impressively last time even with no pace when he made a big move in the turn. And today, we were looking forward with him; we knew he could run."

Barkley, a $21,000 Keeneland September yearling sale buy who has amassed earnings of $149,275, won the Emerald Express Stakes last year at 2, and this year rattled off wins in the Auburn Handicap, Coca-Cola Stakes, and Seattle Slew Stakes at Emerald Downs. Owned by trainer Howard Belvoir and Rising Star Stable III, Barkley was ridden as usual by Javier Matias.

"He always tries, like today," Matias said of Barkley, who is now six-for seven. "But the whole way I was so wide, because I got taken wide (by Huya and Mach One Rules). That's horse racing, you know? You win like that and you lose like that. I can't complain about it. He's a great racehorse."