CLAREMORE, OK—SEPTEMBER 10, 2017—Stepping up from the optional claiming ranks, Vf Wheely Cute (15-1) was a game winner by a neck over Hardtoget in the $19,800 Miss Ellen Stakes at Will Rogers Downs Sunday. Jess Marie finished 1-¼ lengths off the leaders in third.

Ridden by jockey Raul Ramirez Jr., Vf Wheely Cute completed the 350 yards in :17.522 seconds, a 96-speed index, to pick up the $11,610 winners' purse.

Trainer Kasey Willis saddled the homebred daughter of multiple stakes sire Ivory James for owner/breeder Victory Farms. The gray 4-year-old, out of Wheely Quick by The Harder They Fall, has compiled a (19) 4-5-5 record and banked $58,676.

Hardtoget, a Foose gelding from the Corona Cartel mare Tiny Corona Queen, picked up $3,510 for owner Louis Trey Malecheck, III. John Weghorst conditions with James Flores getting the riding assignment. James and Marilyn Helzer bred the earner of $41,687.

Third-place finisher Jessie Marie races for owner Palomino Trucking Inc. and trainer Maria Elisa Barraza-Rodriguez. Jose Vega had the riding assignment aboard the Spit Curl Jess 3-year-old filly from the Pyc Paint Your Wagon mare Traffic Wagon. Bred by Delores Hill, Jessie Marie earned $2,128 for her effort.

Vf Wheely Cute rewarded backers with $30.40 to win, $10.40 to place and $4.60 to show.

Furr Flyin Floozie, Can Only Imagine, Yourtheoneinmyheart, Kool Jess, Toodles Flies Free, Time For Big Feet and Chromed Out completed the field.