Racing


Apollitical Flying Dominates Late To Win Los Alamitos Maiden Stakes
Apollitical Flying, under jockey Jesus Rio Ayala, on his way to victory in the $101,000 Los Alamitos Maiden Stakes (not black type) Sunday night at Los Alamitos Race Course.

© Scott Martinez
Apollitical Flying Dominates Late To Win Los Alamitos Maiden Stakes

LOS ALAMITOS, CA—FEBRUARY 17, 2019—Owned by the partnership of Bryant, Brooks, Lewis, Hubbard, et al, Apollitical Flying broke out from post number nine at the start of the $101,000 Los Alamitos Maiden Stakes (not black type), but once he got rolling there was no stopping him, as he pulled away to a ¾ length victory over Pedro Rangel's Cavuto on a cold and windy Sunday night.

"This horse felt right at home," trainer Justin Joiner said of Apollitical Flying. "During the schooling races at Sunland Park, this is exactly how the weather is like, if the wind isn't blowing just a little bit harder."

It was windy enough at the Orange County track, as the official chart of the race listed a 22 miles per hour tailwind. The gusting wind aided Apollitical Flying to post the meet's fastest time at 350 yards of :17.294 and the second fastest time ever in the 16-year history of the Maiden Stakes. The stakes record of :17.22 was set by Brooklyn Boy in 2010.

Trainer Justin Joiner, jockey Jesus Rios Ayala and co-owner Norman Allen accept the Los Alamitos Maiden Stakes Trophy Sunday evening. © Scott Martinez
Ridden by Jesus Rios Ayala, Apollitical Flying has warmed up to Los Alamitos over his last two outings. He posted the fastest qualifying time of :17.61 when winning his trial on January 27. That victory was his first in six starts. It's now been followed by this sizzling victory, which earned his connections the first place prize of $42,420. The son of Apollitical Jess and out of the Southern Cartel mare Southern Fling had only won $5,905 in his previous outings prior to this final.

"We've been very patient with this horse," said Norman Allen, who is among the partners that campaign Apollitical Flying. "We've had some doubts over the last few months. Our trainer Justin Joiner begged us not to sell him, not to get rid of him and gosh almighty, I'm glad we didn't. He's turned into a really nice horse. We're proud of him. He's just a late bloomer all along. He just wasn't coming around. Justin talked us into keeping him. It's turning out to be one of the best decisions we've ever made."

Apollitical Fying, under jockey Jesus Rios Ayala, returns following his biggest career win Sunday night at Los Alamitos Race Course. © Scott Martinez
Apollitical Flying will now hope to join the likes of LDS Dash For Dylan, A Mere Splash, Royal Proclamation and Required Fire, as Maiden Stakes winners that went to win other stakes during their racing careers. Joiner is banking that the Rancho El Cabresto-bred gelding will join the group.

"The horses by Apollitical Jess seem to figure it out on their own time," Joiner said. "They come out here and perform and they make you look real smart. We'll give this horse a little break. He's been up over a year. He's probably earned a small break. We'll figure out what we want to do with him from there."

Ridden by Cesar Franco for trainer Jesus Nunez, Cavuto earned $17,170 for his runner-up effort. The colt by Foose was never ahead of Apollitical Fying, but he kept the race close until the final 50 yards of the race when Apollitical Flying flew to the wire.

Apollitical Flying, under, jockey Jesus Rios Ayala, winning the 2019 Los Alamitos Maiden Stakes on Sunday.
© Scott Martinez
Bred by Fred Scane from the Corona Cocktail mare Sizzling Pj, Cavuto took his career earnings to $31,740. He's finished in the money in eight of 10 career starts.

Rivera Quarter Horse Racing Inc.'s Ganster Americano made a huge late run to go from 10th to third. Ridden by Alejandro Luna for trainer Roman Figueroa, the Corona Cartel gelding earned $12,120. M. Gonzalez and Balgo Racing Team LLC bred Gangster Americano in California from the Grade 1 winning Mr Jess Perry mare Matabari.

Mayas Signature, Kid Comeback, Sassy Favorite, Alacarrera, Magic Prize, Wonderland and Miss Montielita completed the field.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Courtesy of www.losalamitos.com.