Emerald Downs: Vodka With Ice sets track record in Challenge Championship

AUBURN, Wash. – Vodka With Ice raced to a mild upset Sunday in the $54,000 Bank of America Emerald Downs Challenge Championship for Quarter Horses, snapping 3-5 favorite Chicks Special Angel's 10-race winning streak while covering 440 yards in a track-record 21.667 seconds.

With his victory, Vodka With Ice, an 8-year-old Stoli gelding, earned a berth in the Grade 1, $350,000 Bank of America Challenge Championship on Nov. 9 at Los Alamitos.

Chicks Special Angel had set 400- and 440-yard track records in her first two starts at the meeting but broke slowly, was squeezed between horses, and never recovered behind Vodka With Ice, who was ridden by Cesar DeAlaba for trainer Pablo Rabasa Jr. and paid $7 as the second choice in a field of 10. Vodka With Ice is owned by Gerardo Prado of Federal Way, Wash.