For the Reporter

Coach Royal rallied from far back and out-finished Tale Spinner for a neck victory Friday in the $12,300 Northwest Brewing Company Purse for 3-year-olds and up at Emerald Downs.

Ridden by Francisco Duran, Coach Royal ran one mile in a fast 1:36.01 and paid $10.40, $5 and $3.60.

It was Coach Royal’s second straight victory and his third in four starts this season, moving the 6-year-old gelding into an eight-way tie for most wins at the meeting. A Kentucky-bred by Lemon Drop Kid,

Coach Royal began the meet with a win in the $2,500 claiming ranks, and subsequent victories were for $5,000 and $10,000 claiming.

Co-owned by trainer Howie Gibson and Jeff and Teresa Lynd, Coach Royal has an overall record of 7-9-6 in 36 starts with earnings of $218,655. He began his career in New York, breaking his maiden in a $75,000 maiden special weight at Belmont Park in 2012.

Tale Spinner, ridden by Rocco Bowen, rallied to the lead into the stretch but was out finished and settled for second place. The runner-up paid $5 and 44.40.

Toccet’s Charm, a 22-to-1 long shot ridden by Javier Matias, flew late for third and paid $5.20 to show.

Dynamo Dixie and Rio Hondo, the 5-to-2 co-favorites, finished fourth and fifth, and were followed by Ontheshadyside and He’s Zuberrific. Doctor Bruce S. and Wine At Nine were scratched earlier in the day.

He’s Zuberrific, chased by Dynamo Dixie, carved out fractions of :22.96, :45.36 and 1:10.36, a fast pace that helped light the fuse for the closers. Coach Royal, in sixth place early, made a looping sustained run on the last turn and into the stretch, gradually wearing down Tale Spinner for the victory.

In the $0.50 Pick 5, a series of long shots baffled players and the carryover to Saturday is $7,007.

Notes

Julien Couton, the meet’s leading rider with 50 wins, served the second of a two-day suspension Friday and returns to action Saturday with seven mounts on the 10-race card. Couton was scheduled to begin another two-day suspension Sunday, but he appealed the stewards’ ruling and can continue riding until his appeal is heard. Sunday, Couton rides 3-to-1 morning line favorite Thetrailerguy in the $50,000 Seattle Slew Handicap for 3-year-old colts and geldings. … Seven different jockeys and trainers had winners on the seven-race card. … First post Saturday is 2 p.m.