Phantom Trip gets first stakes win in Oklahoma Classics Cup

Phantom Trip became a stakes winner on Friday night when he put in a strong stretch bid to catch Z Rockstar for a neck victory in the $175,000 Oklahoma Classics Cup at Remington Park.

The Classics Cup was the richest race on a card of eight divisional stakes for horses bred in Oklahoma. Total purses for the program were $1 million.

Phantom Trip ($16.20) was winning his third straight race. He was content to settle off the pace as Imahit jumped out to a clear lead in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up, increasing his advantage to eight lengths through a half-mile in 45.75 seconds and six furlongs in 1:09.83.

Phantom Trip advanced on the final turn and rolled through the stretch to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:44.14.

“He’s got a really good kick,” said winning rider David Cabrera.

Clinton Stuart trains Phantom Trip for Lester Ellenz. The horse won a first-level allowance for Oklahoma-breds in September at Remington Park, then defeated open company in another first-level allowance this month in Oklahoma City.

“We just tried to save him all summer for this meet, and it’s worked out,” said Stuart.

Phantom Trip is a 3-year-old by Summer Bird and was bred by Center Hills Farm.

In other action, Okie Ride ($6.40) won the $130,000 Sprint for the fourth time, stalking and pouncing for a 1 1/4-length win over Welder. Luis Quinonez was aboard, one of three stakes winners he had on the card. Okie Ride covered six furlongs in 1:09.83. He is a son of Candy Ride who races for the Richter Family Trust and is trained by Kenneth Nolen.

Quinonez was aboard a second Richter Family Trust winner in Okie Diva ($12.60), who darted home by 2 1/4 lengths in the $100,000 Lassie. She covered six furlongs in 1:11.08. Donnie Von Hemel trains the filly, who is by Chitoz.

Quinonez’s other winner on the night came when Euro K Shotgun ($4.80) remained perfect in three starts by proving 1 3/4 lengths best in the $130,000 Distaff Sprint. She covered six furlongs in 1:10.08. C.R. Trout bred, owns, and trains Euro K Shotgun, a daughter of Euroears.

Also on the card, Runandyrun ($28.20) closed with a rush to win the $130,000 Turf by a neck over Charlie Webb. It was another 1 1/2 lengths back to 2-5 favorite Ibaka in third. Runandyrun covered 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:41.59. Belen Quinonez, the brother of Luis Quinonez, was aboard for W. Mike Jones and trainer Tyrone Shaw. Runandyrun is a son of Wilko.

Steel Cut ($3.20) tracked the pace en route to a two-length win over Mimi’s Money in the $145,000 Distaff. She covered the mile and 70 yards in 1:41.63. Chris Landeros was aboard for owner-trainer Wes Hawley. Steel Cut is by Cactus Ridge.

Gianna’s Dream ($3.20) won her second straight stakes at the meet when she wired the field in the $130,000 Distaff Turf. She was a 2 1/4-length winner over Zeta Zody, and it was another length back to third-place Penguini, who is a full sister to Zeta Zody. C.J. McMahon was aboard Gianna’s Dream for Jordan Wycoff and trainer Mike Maker. The winner is a daughter of Twirling Candy.

Taxman’s Quest ($3.40) was a 5 3/4-length winner over Euroncall in the $100,000 Juvenile, covering six furlongs in 1:10.98. Bryan McNeil was aboard for the Litsch family and trainer Roger Engel. The winner is a son of Euroears.