Daytona B returns to capture Challenge Championship

Daytona B dominated the Grade 1, $353,500 Challenge Championship in his first start since April on Saturday night, darting to a 1 3/4-length win in the richest of six stakes at Lone Star Park. The race was part of the $1 million Challenge Championships, a traveling program of major stakes that returned to the Dallas area track for the first time since 2006.

Daytona B ($5.60) seized command from the start and never relinquished his advantage in the 440-yard race for 3-year-olds and up. He covered the distance on a track rated fast in 21.26 seconds. Eyesa Famous Eagle was second, edging third-place finisher Jake Gold Br by a head. Esgar Ramirez rode Daytona B for owner Gregorio Garza.

Trainer Rolando Almanza had Daytona B right on for the Challenge Championship, which was the horse’s first start since capturing his regional qualifier April 18 in the Grade 2 Championship Challenge at Sam Houston. Earlier in the season, Daytona B won the $100,000 Sam Abbey Invitational at Hialeah.

Daytona B earned $161,000 for his win to push his career bankroll to $472,353. He now has won 8 of 17 starts. Daytona B is a 4-year-old by First Down Dash, and he was bred in Texas by Bielau Oaks.

** Sudden Separation ($3.40) captured her fourth straight stakes race and her sixth victory overall this year when she rallied for a half-length win over Visual Magic in the $126,500 Distaff Challenge Championship. She covered the 400 yards for fillies and mares in 19.65. James Flores was aboard Sudden Separation for trainer Larry Sharp.

** In the $202,000 Derby Challenge Championship, Marys Cornitas ($17) always was prominent for a half-length win over Political Debut. The winner covered 400 yards in 19.60. Juan Garcia Jr. was aboard for owner and trainer Jorge Mendoza.

** Careless Lightning ($21.80) won his fourth straight race when he rallied for a half-length score over Undivided Atemption in the $151,500 Juvenile Challenge Championship. The winner covered 350 yards in 17.61. Larry Payne was aboard for trainer Leon Bard Jr.

** Cr Tuckernuck ($4.40) led throughout for a head win over Cjs Rocksolid in the $150,000 Distance Challenge Championship. The winner covered 870 yards in 45.65. Ricky Ramirez was aboard for trainer Stacey Capps.

** Jess a Rogue ($10.40) won the first stakes of the night in the $75,000 Invitational Bonus, leading throughout for a half-length win over Chicks Deville.

** Handle on the 10-race card from all sources was $733,888.