Margo’s Gift puts a bow on Pepsi Handicap at Emerald

Published 1:00 am Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Margo’s Gift finished with a late surge inside and posted a neck victory over Easy Going Cecil in the $60,000 Pepsi-Cola Handicap for 3-year-olds on Sunday at Emerald Downs.

Gallon, the 6-to-5 favorite, was a head back in third place in the closest three-way finish in the 13-year history of the race.

Ridden by Ricky Frazier, Margo’s Gift – the only Washington-Bred in the race – ran 6½ furlongs in 1:16 1/5 and paid $6.40, $3.80 and $2.40. Doris Harwood is the trainer for owner Ken Alhadeff of Seattle.

Easy Going Cecil, with Gallyn Mitchell riding, returned $5.20 and $2.80. Gallon, with Juan Gutierrez, paid $2.20 for show.

Federal Way Handicap

Startjumpin Marnie capped a sensational Saturday for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer with a neck victory over previously undefeated Enumclaw Girl in the $60,000 Federal Way Handicap for 3-year-old fillies.

With Leslie Mawing aboard, Startjumpin Marnie ran 6½ furlongs in 1:14 3/5 and paid $5.20, $2.80 and $2.20. Hollendorfer was at Hollywood Park where he saddled Heatseeker to a victory in the $250,000 Californian

Enumclaw Girl with Gallyn Mitchell, was easily second best and paid $3.20 and $2.60. It was 8½ lengths back to Rain Shadow, who was worth a $3 show payoff.