Classielyte became the first horse to win three races at Emerald Downs this season with a gate-to-wire half-length victory Friday in the $12,100 Washington State 4-H Foundation Purse.

With apprentice jockey Pedro Terrero riding, Classielyte ran six furlongs in 1:08 2/5 on a fast track and paid $4.20, $3 and $2.40. Frank Lucarelli is the trainer and co-owner with Gene Gustafson. Jim Penney, however, claimed the winner for $15,000 for new owner Grasshopper Stable.

Emancipated, ridden by Ricky Frazier, rallied to finish second and paid $6 and $3.60. Whitney Bridge, ridden by Seth Martinez, closed ground from far back to finish third and paid $3.40.

A 5-year-old California-bred gelding by Memo, Classielyte went to the lead almost immediately, set fractions of :21 4/5. :44 1/5 and :55 4/5, spurted four lengths clear into the lane, and held off the fast-closing Emancipated. The $6,655 winner’s check increased his earnings to $79,481.

Classielyte also won races gate-to-wire April 9 and April 24. He has an overall mark of 8-5-2 in 21 starts.

News and Notes

• The early $1 Pick 4 returned a whopping $10,562.80 to one very happy bettor who purchased the lone winning ticket, Bouncin Boomer ($55.80) and hot-riding Robert Burney delivered the knockout punch with a 26-1 upset in the second race.

• Little Cookie crossed the wire first in the fifth race but was disqualified and placed fourth for causing interference in the stretch. Strategic Patience ($9.20) was promoted from second to first place.