By Martha Claussen

SELMA, TX—JULY 27, 2018—Fulton Quien Sabe Ranches Lp’s He Is The Risingstar successfully defended his title in the $34,500 TQHA 550 Stakes

Bred by Mercy Hinklin’s Horse Farm LLC, the 6-year-old son of Mr Jess Perry out of the Dash for Cash mare Meddlin Mischief was saddled by trainer L. R. Tooter Jordan. Jerry Lee Yoakum, who guided the sorrel gelding to a victory earlier this meet in the Tower of America Handicap had the return call. Breaking from postposition four, he clocked 550 yards in :27.194 over a fast track. He earned a 106-speed index this evening.

Twin Spires Farms’ Dealmfast ran second, by a neck under rider Jose Martinez. The 3-year-old son of Dealagame is trained by Leon Bard and was the runner-up to He Is The Risingstar for the second time this meet. Pete Scarmardo’s homebred Deala Quick Game was third, followed by Shake Rattle N Sore. Jrc Callas First, 2014 AQHA world champion, ran fifth.

He Is The Risingstar was sent off as the even-money favorite and returned $4.20. He has won 11 of his 27 lifetime starts and his last 550-yard races. With the $20,700 winner's share of the TQHA 550 Stakes, his career earnings stand at $190,070.

Runner-up Dealmfast, a homebred for Twin Spires, picked up $6,900 for finishing second. Ivan Martinez was aboard the Delagame 3-year-old out of Takin Up The Ante by Takin On The Cash.

Also a son of Dealagame, third-place finisher Dela Quick Game races for owner/breeder Pete Scarmardo and was another starter from the Leon Bard stable. Francisco Claderon was board the stakes winner of more than $47,000. He earned $3,795 for the effort.