Stoli tops Champions qualifiers

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Stoli, who won the All American Derby at Ruidoso Downs in September, earned a berth to the $500,000 Champion of Champions at Los Alamitos on Dec. 16 following a victory in Friday's time trials.

Stoli was one of five Quarter Horses that qualified from Friday's trials. In the finals, they will be joined by five others who secured berths with wins in major races over the last year.

The five fastest times from Friday's trials, regardless of placings, qualified for the Champion of Champions, which annually plays a pivotal role in determining World Champion, the equivalent of Quarter Horse of the Year.

Stoli ran 400 yards in 19.86 seconds, finishing a neck in front of Meddlin in Money and Flare for Toby, both of whom qualified. The first two finishers of the other trial - Fast for Money and You Scare Me - also earned berths.

Fast for Money was timed in 19.94 seconds.

A Ransom, the 2000 World Champion and Champion of Champions winner, is expected to be the favorite in this year's running, which will include Corona Kool, Tailor Fit, Hawkinson and Marmet.