Jessies First Down notches fifth consecutive victory

Jessies First Down, the 2016 World Champion Quarter Horse, won his fifth consecutive start in Saturday’s $103,320 Bank of America Texas Challenge Championship at Sam Houston Race Park, a victory that could influence how he is campaigned this fall.

Jessies First Down earned an automatic berth to the $350,000 Bank of America Challenge Championship at Prairie Meadows on Oct. 14 for winning Saturday’s 440-yard race.

Ridden by Rodrigo Vallejo, Jessies First Down ($3.80) took the lead midway through the race from Tic Dale and held off that rival to win by a neck in 21.21 seconds. Tic Dale, a 5-1 shot, finished three-quarters of a length in front of Dutcher, the 2-1 second choice in a field of 10.

Jessies First Down races for Ted Abrams Jr. and trainer Judd Kearl. A 6-year-old gelding by FDD Dynasty, Jessies First Down was the fastest qualifier for the Texas Challenge Championship from qualifying trials March 31, his first start of the year.

Jessies First Down has won 12 of 29 starts and has earned $632,034. Last fall, Jessies First Down won three consecutive major stakes - the Refrigerator Handicap at Lone Star Park, the Zia Park Championship, and the Championship at Sunland Park.

La Vencedora won Saturday’s $913,850 Remington Park Futurity for Oklahoma-breds, the most lucrative Quarter Horse race in April and one of four stakes on Saturday’s Remington Park program.

Ridden by James Flores, the filly La Vencedora ($20) won the 330-yard race by a head over 3-1 Eagle Jazz. Hez Our Prize, the 6-5 favorite, finished third, beaten about a length.

La Vencedora was timed in 16.76 seconds.

“I knew we had a great break,” Flores told Remington Park publicity. “It was a close race with (Eagle Jazz). I asked for everything she could give me and she responded great.”

The win was not without controversy. La Vencedora was trained for the time trials earlier this month by Gerry McLean, who was suspended by the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission last week after one of his runners tested positive March 25 for the anti-inflammatory tolfenamic acid. La Vencedora was trained for the Remington Park Futurity by John Weghorst.

Apollitical Scout won the richest race of her career in the $305,400 Remington Park Derby for Oklahoma-breds at 400 yards. Apollitical Scout ($21.80) was timed in 19.67 seconds and finished a neck in front of 9-10 favorite Eye N Capo.

The Fiscal Cliff won the $50,000 Bob Moore Memorial Stakes at 300 yards for his 10th win in 17 starts and fourth stakes win. The Fiscal Cliff previously won three stakes at Prairie Meadows.

Sent off favored, The Fiscal Cliff ($7.40) was timed in 15.17 seconds and won by a half-length over 13-1 Memphis D Nasty.

Pyc Fun N Fancy upset 3-5 favorite Ima China Rush in the $61,800 Laico Bird Stakes for Oklahoma-bred 2-year-olds at 330 yards. Pyc Fun N Fancy ($7.60) was timed in 16.94 seconds. Ima China Rush won the $525,050 Oklahoma Futurity on March 25.