You And I Juveniles Sweep Emerald Stakes

Chu and I took the early lead and poured it on late for a 5-¼ -length victory Monday in the $25,000 Northwest Stallion Series Strong Ruler Stakes for 2-year-old colts and geldings at Emerald Downs.

A race later, Youtheprizeandi completed a sweep for the sire You and I with a neck triumph over first-time starter Royal Moses in the Northwest Stallion Series Knights Choice Stakes for 2-year-old fillies.

The stakes double-header was the first stakes events of the meeting for 2-year-olds and the centerpiece of a 10-race Independence Day program on a sun-kissed afternoon..

The prohibitive 1-to-5 betting choice, Chu and I ran 5-½ furlongs in 1:03.54 on a fast track and paid $2.40, $2.10 and $2.10. The gelding increased his lead at every point of call, setting fractions of :22.35, :45.55 and :57.29, and was taken in hand late.