For the Reporter

Liberty Lake held off Lizzy Lass for a half-length victory Friday in the $13,600 feature race for older fillies and mares at Emerald Downs.

Ridden by Julien Couton – extending his streak to nine straight days with at least one win – Liberty Lake ran six furlongs in 1:10.57 and paid $15.40, $5.20 and $4. Husband and wife Robbie and Bonnie Baze are the winning trainer and owner.

The victory made amends for a head defeat to Lizzy Lass two weeks ago, and was only the third victory in 29 career starts for the 6-year-old mare. A Washington-bred by Liberty Gold-Artic-Mist, Liberty Lake has been a steady performer, however, compiling seven seconds, nine thirds and $61,733 in purses, including $7,480 for Friday’s triumph.

Lizzy Lass, ridden by Gallyn Mitchell, rallied through the lane and was slowly getting to the winner. Lizzy Lass – who now has 14 wins and seven seconds in a 50-race career – paid $5 and $3.40.

Maggie’s Special, a 25-to-1 long shot ridden by Connie Doll, rallied from last to finish third and paid $5.80.

Acute and Among the Stars completed the order of finish,

Among the Stars, the 3-to-5 betting favorite, led Liberty Lake through fractions of :22.43 and :45.21 for the quarter and half-mile. But Liberty Lake gained control into the stretch, drew 2½ lengths clear at the eighth-pole, and held Lizzy Lass off late.

Notes

Couton swept the late double with Liberty Lake and Whiskey Prince ($5.60), and has wins on nine straight racing days and 10 of the first 11. Couton has six multiple-win days and leads Juan Gutierrez 18-13 in the standings. … Ain’t Tellin’ ($4), Cha Cha Latte ($4) and Whiskey Prince became the meet’s fourth, fifth and sixth two-time winners, scoring victories in races four, five and seven. They joined Parkers Bluff, Calculated Chaos and Perfectly Legal as double winners at the meet. … A 6-year-old After Market mare, Cha Cha Latte is 6-for-9 at Emerald Downs and 12-for-27 lifetime. … A season-high four horses were claimed in race five including Cha Cha Latte, who went to owner Terri Morrow and trainer Cliff Balcom for $5,000. … Trainer Gary Lonctot and owner Bryan Smith, who won with 3-of-5 starters last year, scored with first-time starter Westley ($16.20) in Friday’s second race. A 4-year-old Washington-bred by Houseofroyalhearts-Mira’s Magic, Westley won by 7¼ lengths, running six furlongs in 1:11.16. … Emerald Downs newcomer Manny Ortiz finished second with his first two starters of the meet, Cowboy Clyde at 14-to-1 in race four and Hollywood Hitman at 3-to-1 in race seven. Tracy Lebret claimed the latter for $3,500, one of seven claims on Friday’s seven-race card. … Live racing continues Saturday with first post 2 p.m. The 140th Preakness Stakes, featuring Kentucky Derby winner American Pharoah, will be simulcast between the third and fourth races with post time 3:18 p.m.