LOS ALAMITOS, CA—AUGUST 23, 2009—Rancho El Alacran's Fighter On Fire picked up his 10th career victory in 24 starts while becoming the California representative to the $350,000 Bank of America Championship Challenge on Saturday at Los Alamitos.

Ridden by Rodrigo Aceves, Fighter On Fire won the Bank of America California regional by a length over Grade 1 winner Trisk, who ran huge race for second after being pinballed at the start. Trisk hit the wire a half-length ahead of third place finisher Strength In Numbers.

Fighter On Fire, who was saddled by Adan Farias, covered the distance in :21.285. He earned $37,674 for the win to take his bankroll over the $450,000 mark. Bred by Shultz Ranch, the son of First Down Dash has now earned $455,038 in his career.

Fighter On Fire, who has three of four starts this year, is now slated to face a field in the Grade 1 Bank of America final that could include the multiple track record holder and New Mexico regional representative First Moonflash, the 2007 champion 2-year-old gelding and Oklahoma regional representative Illegal Memories, and the 2007 champion 3-year-old gelding, two-time Champion of Champions runner-up and Central regional representative Little Bit Of Baja.

Dan Lucas' Trisk had a nightmare of a break, as he left the gate in ninth place after finding trouble. Yet, with Cody Jensen in the saddle for trainer Paul Jones, Trisk made a monster of a run, moving up to fifth, then third, and finally a superb second place. A full brother to World Champion Wave Carver and champion Ocean Runaway, Trisk earned $16,380 for finishing second in this race. He has now made $242,265 in his career.

Trisk is also a son of all-time leading sire First Down Dash.

Strength In Numbers, Stoli Powered, Checker, Czech N Out Ashley, Bannow Bay, Premier Venu, Concrete Charlie and Masters Call completed the field.