AURORA, CO—JUNE 10, 2018—Making his first start since a fourth-place finish in the American Flyer Stakes last summer at Arapahoe Park, Iba Jp broke best then held off a late charge by Dauns First Desirio to win the 2018 edition of the $15,000 American Flyer Stakes Sunday afternoon.

Ridden by jockey Manuel Meza, Iba Jp completed the 350 yards with a 10 mph tailwind in :17.762 seconds, a 90 speed index. Trainer David Palafox saddled the 6-year-old son of Mr Jess Perry for owner Jonathan Zambrano.

A finalist in the West Texas Derby(G3) at 3, Iba Jp had raced mostly in claiming, starter optional and allowance since 2014. Bred by Johnny Trotter and Burnett Ranches from the Strawfly Special mare Iba Special, Iba Jp has compiled a (23) 4-3-5 record and today's $9,000 pushed him to nearly $70,000 earnings.

Grade 3 stakes winner and post-time favorite Dauns First Desirio finished a close second for the second straight time at Arapahoe Park this season. He entered the American Flyer off a neck loss in the $15,000 Dash For Speed Stakes on May 27th. Trainer Eliazar Sales conditions the Desirio 4-year-old for owner Rogelio Carbajal-Santos.

Bred in Texas by Dan and Jolene Urschel, from the First Express mare First Daun Express, Dauns First Desirio has won five of 16 starts including the Grade 3 AQHA Derby Challenge Championship last fall. Ridden by jockey Daniel Valles the bay gelding kicked off 2018 with a third-place finish in the Grade 2 Eastex Stakes at Remington Park. He has earnings of nearly $140,000.

Hot Shot, a 6-year-old stakes-placed son of Walk Thru Fire, finished 1 ˝ lengths back to earn $1,500 for third. Owned-and-trained by Jose Antonio Moreno, the California-bred was ridden by Malouly Rodriguez. Edward C. Allred bred the $76,825 earner in California from the Raise A Secret mare Girl Secrets.

Jettin Ben, Toshi Yoshi and Freighttrain V completed the field.