Irene's Bonus Baby Wins Emerald's Shinpoch

Irene's Bonus Baby held off stablemate Cascade Rose to win the premier 2-year-old filly race of the Emerald Downs meet, the $100,000 Barbara Shinpoch Stakes.

Running from the rail with Ben Russell in the saddle, the Doris Harwood-trained daughter of Free At Last made the lead out of the gate while race favorite Judicature, ridden by Ricky Frazier, settled just off the pace.

As the field made its way down the backstretch, Irene's Bonus Baby held a comfortable lead over Judicature while setting tepid fractions of :23 4/5 for the opening quarter mile and :47 3/5 at the half-mile mark.

Judicature began making a run at Irene's Bonus Baby coming off the far turn, but was unable to make up any serious ground on the leader.

Cascade Rose and jockey Mick Ruis made a move up the rail to challenge Irene's Bonus Baby mid-stretch, but she was deftly cut off by the winner and had to move outside for the final furlong.

Irene's Bonus Baby prevailed by three-quarters of a length at the wire while stopping the clock in 1:37. The filly returned $11, $6.20 and $3.20. Cascade Rose brought in $15 and $7 for second while Judicature rang up $2.60 for third.

Russell has won the Shinpoch in four of the last six years.

(Chart, Equibase)