Jet Wings One facing older rivals in Independence Day Handicap
Jet Wings One has a defined goal later this year, a berth in the AQHA Derby Challenge at The Downs at Albuquerque on Oct. 23.
The berth was courtesy of a win in the filly’s 2021 debut in the $38,242 California Derby Challenge at 400 yards at Los Alamitos on May 23, her first start since a second in the $279,200 Kindergarten Futurity in May 2020.
At least through early summer, Jet Wings One will remain at Los Alamitos where she is part of a field of seven in Friday’s $25,000 Independence Day Handicap at 300 yards.
Trained by Monty Arrossa for owner and breeder Dan Moon, Jet Wings One will race outside of her age group for the first time in the Independence Day Handicap. Despite the lengthy layoff, Jet Wings One ran well in her comeback and faced good company. In the California Derby Challenge, Jet Wings One won by nose over A Dash of Sign, who returned to win an allowance race at 330 yards on June 18.
The Independence Day Handicap field includes the older males Victorio Jess JQM and Black Fryday, who were first and second by a nose in a 330-yard allowance race on June 5, a reverse result from a 330-yard allowance race on May 2 when Black Fryday prevailed by a head.
Victorio Jess JQM has yet to win a stakes in his career, which includes 4 wins in 19 starts and earnings of $40,055. The recent win ended a five-race losing streak since a 330-yard allowance race last November.
Black Fryday, trained by Jorge Farias, has a more extensive record than his rival, having won 7 of 24 start while earning $354,315. A 6-year-old gelding, Black Fryday has had three starts this year after being sidelined through the second half of 2019 and all of 2020.
Black Fryday, who won the $162,850 Southern California Derby in December 2018, drew the outside post in this field. He won from an outside post in the May 2 allowance race.