Koala Beach Edges Posse Power

Koala Beach out-finished Posse Power and Newfound Man in a thrilling three-horse photo Sunday in the $50,000 Pepsi-Cola Handicap for 3-year-olds at Emerald Downs.

Koala Beach finished a nose ahead of 3-to-5 betting favorite Posse Power, with Newfound Man a neck back in third place.

Ridden by Ricky Frazier at 120 lbs., Koala Beach was timed in 1:34 1/5—the fastest time by a 3-year-old in track history—and paid $11.40 $3 and $2.60.

It was a milestone victory for both Frazier and trainer Doris Harwood. Frazier moved ahead of Gallyn Mitchll 65-64 in all-time jockeys' stakes wins at Emerald Downs. And Harwood moved past Bud Klokstad 43-42 in all-time trainers' stakes wins at Emerald Downs.

Harwood, 57, has saddled 34 stakes winners the last four seasons including three straight in the Pepsi, and the 2009 Pepsi champion—Noosa Beach—is the top local threat for the $250,000 Longacres Mile (GIII) on Aug. 22.

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