Posse Power Captures Auburn Handicap

California invader Posse Power made a successful Northwest debut Sunday with a 1 ¾-length victory in the $50,000 Auburn Handicap for 3-year-olds at Emerald Downs.

With Francisco Duran riding his fifth winner of the day, Posse Power ran 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15 on a wet-fast track and paid $5.60, $3.40 and $4.60. The winner, trained by Frank Lucarelli for Willow Creek Farm, carried co high-weight of 120 lbs. Lucarelli had a four-win day of his own—his third at Emerald Downs—and surged into first place in the trainers' standings with 17 wins.

Saratoga Boot, Inoel Beato riding at 116 lbs, rallied inside and was clearly second best and paid $6.60 and $8.80.

It was 3 ¼ lengths back to Clear to Canada, ridden by Mario Gutierrez at 115 lbs, and an $11.60 show payoff. Seven Torrents and Forener completed the order of finish.