Zoomin Effortlessly edges Jessies First Down

Zoomin Effortlessly edged reigning Quarter Horse world champion Jessies First Down by a head to win the Grade 1, $250,000 Remington Park Invitational Championship on Saturday night.

The race was one of eight stakes on the closing-night program in Oklahoma City.

Zoomin Effortlessly ($4.40), a multiple Grade 1 winner, covered 440 yards on a fast track in 21.10 seconds. Santos Carrizales was aboard for Telesforo Perrett and trainer Edelmiro Carrizales.

“[Jessies First Down] had me beat, easy, a neck or a head,” winning rider Santos Carrizales said. “I was just waiting because I know [Zoomin Effortlessy] has a big kick.”

Ponce runner takes Heritage Place Futurity

Trainer Josue Ponce won Oklahoma’s richest race for the second year in a row when he sent out the filly Nymeria to win the Grade 1, $1.1 million Heritage Place Futurity. She covered 350 yards in 17.46 seconds. Nymeria paid $21.

“All we needed was a good break and we got it and she demonstrated she was good,” Ponce said. “She just needed experience, she needed more races. That last race helped her a lot.”

Jose Alvarez rode the winner for Alfredo Garza.

Despain GI, the favorite, finished sixth in the Heritage Place Futurity.

Ponce won last year’s Heritage Place Futurity with Duponte.

Nymeria is a daughter of Bigtime Favorite.

* Hold Air Hostage ($15.80) was a length and three-quarter winner over Apollitical Scout.

* Remington opens for Thoroughbred racing Aug. 25. The meet runs through Dec. 17.