Political Attraction prevails in Remington Park Invitational Championship

Political Attraction sailed home as Jessies First Down stumbled in the Grade 1, $250,000 Remington Park Invitational Championship for Quarter Horses on Saturday night. The race was one of nine stakes on the closing-night card.

Political Attraction ($8.20) led throughout for a one-length win over Mi Amor Secreto. Jessies First Down, the two-time world champion who was launching his season, finished ninth after stumbling badly at the start.

Political Attraction covered 440 yards on a fast track in 21.10 seconds.

“He’s an awesome horse,” winning rider James Flores told the publicity department at Remington. “The way he’s been performing and training, I knew this horse could be really, really tough in this race.

“The horse broke sharp. I kept him busy. I didn’t ever see anybody get close to him, but we wanted to make a statement. He’s more than a horse, he’s a friend. He’s a good animal; he’s awesome.”

Flores was aboard for trainer Rick Robinson. Political Attraction is a son of Apollitical Jess. He went over $500,000 in earnings with the win Saturday night for owners Rogelio Marquez Jr. and Kathy Robinson.

Uptowne Babe won the richest race on the card when she rolled down the outside lane for a three-quarter-length victory in the Grade 1, $1,073,100 Heritage Place Futurity. Uncle D finished second, while it was another half-length back to Jesse D in third.

Uptowne Babe ($21.60) covered 350 yards in 17.63 seconds. Rolando Raudales was aboard for trainer Pedro Hernandez.

“She broke on top and got out there running, and they weren’t going to catch her,” Raudales told publicity. “I was glad she did. I’m excited about all this.”

Uptowne Babe races for Sam Green. She is a daughter of Mr Jess Perry.

In other major races, Apollitical Pence ($6.60) was a neck winner over Viva Le Don in the Grade 2, $367,750 Heritage Place Derby for Quarter Horses. Ricky Ramirez was aboard for his third straight win in the Heritage Place Derby.

• Eddie Willis won his 10th training title to tie the track record held by the late Rodney Reed. Willis won 36 races during the 51-date meet at Remington. James Flores won the riding title for the second year in a row with 52 wins. The leading owner was James Sills.