Political Attraction survives inquiry in Rainbow Derby

Political Attraction was a $40,000 supplement to the trials for the Rainbow Derby at Ruidoso Downs and on Saturday he captured the $801,564 finale by a length over Hes Limitless. It was another three-quarters of a length back in third to Papaws Paint.

Jess Move You, the lone horse in the field who was alive for a new $1 million bonus, finished a troubled seventh. The bonus, which will now go unclaimed this year, is tabbed for the horse who can sweep the Ruidoso Derby in June, the Rainbow, and the All American Derby in September.

Political Attraction ($5.20) was winning his third straight race. He veered and bothered a foe, according to the chart of the race by Equibase, while covering 440 yards on a fast track in 21.09 seconds.

Following the race, in which a number of horses had trouble at the start, there was a stewards’ inquiry. There also was a separate rider’s objection against the winner for alleged stretch interference. In the end, no change was made to the order of finish.

James Flores rode Political Attraction for trainer Josue Ponce. The winner is owned by Rogelio Marquez Jr., and Kathy Robinson. Political Attraction earned $336,657 on Saturday. He is a son of Apollitical Jess.

Earlier in his career, Political Attraction won five straight races, from July 2017 through April 2018. The streak included two stakes victories, with all of the wins coming at tracks in Oklahoma.