Horse Race Preview: Race 6 – King County Express Stakes at Emerald Downs

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The $50,000 King County Express Stakes headlines Race 6 at Emerald Downs on Sunday, July 20, 2025, with post time set for 4:16 PM PT. This 5½-furlong dirt sprint is restricted to 2-year-old colts and geldings, and features a promising field of six juveniles showcasing elite pedigrees, top regional trainers, and rising jockey talent.

Contenders & Horse Profiles

Horse NamePedigreeTrainerJockeyMorning Line Odds
CantcatchthiscatCat Burglar – Mahee Moon (Malibu Moon)Frank LucarelliIsaias Enriquez7-5 Favorite
Blackberry JamRise Up – Vistarella (Isla Vista)Ryland HarwoodKiaman McGregor7-2
Lead the ChargeTake Charge Indy – Bella Mia (Harbor the Gold)Blaine WrightSilvio Ruiz Amador4-1
Global AgendaHard Spun – Fast Resource (Bob and John)Vince GibsonFrancisco Monroy6-1
Vino VikingVino Rosso – Bound (Jump Start)Tom WenzelJulien Couton9-2
Robin RacerConnect – Quasante (Hard Spun)Tom WenzelCarlos Montalvo8-1

Pedigree Insights & Dirt Sprint Potential

Cantcatchthiscat is by Cat Burglar, a son of Unbridled’s Song, and out of a Malibu Moon mare—blending speed and stamina. He’s already won at Emerald Downs and looks sharp. Blackberry Jam is sired by Rise Up, a precocious juvenile stakes winner, and his dam brings local Washington bloodlines. Lead the Charge boasts Take Charge Indy lineage, known for producing tactical speed and dirt sprint success. Global Agenda, by Hard Spun, has a pedigree built for early speed and resilience—ideal for a 5½-furlong dash. Vino Viking is a son of Vino Rosso, the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, and could develop into a route horse with sprinting ability. Robin Racer, also from the Hard Spun line via Connect, is making his debut and could surprise with a strong pedigree.

Jockey & Trainer Matchups to Watch

Isaias Enriquez (Cantcatchthiscat) is one of Emerald Downs’ most consistent riders and has already guided this gelding to victory. Silvio Ruiz Amador (Lead the Charge) teams up with Blaine Wright, a stakes-winning trainer with a sharp eye for juvenile talent. Julien Couton (Vino Viking) and Tom Wenzel have a strong win percentage together and are known for developing young horses. Carlos Montalvo (Robin Racer) also rides for Wenzel and could play a tactical role from mid-pack.

Recent Form & Speed Figures

Horse NameStartsRecordLast Race ResultSpeed Rating
Cantcatchthiscat31-2-01st @ EMD (1100m)81
Blackberry Jam10-1-02nd @ EMD (1100m)90
Lead the Charge10-0-13rd @ EMD (1100m)85
Global Agenda0Debut
Vino Viking0Debut
Robin Racer0Debut

Predicted Finish & Strategy

Winner: Cantcatchthiscat – proven form, tactical speed, top connections

Place: Blackberry Jam – strong debut, high speed rating

Show: Lead the Charge – improving colt with pedigree upside