ALTOONA, IA—OCTOBER 27, 2012—In late May of this year, Ultimate Wave had made only two career starts and banked less than $500 without hitting the board. Some five months later, the Wave Carver colt is now a multiple stakes winner with a six-figure bankroll after blitzing the field in the $200,000 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship (G1) at Prairie Meadows.

Bet down to be the 6-5 favorite, Ultimate Wave and jockey Esgar Ramirez broke from post five and quickly took command before hitting the wire 1 ¾ lengths in front with a 400-yard time of :19.563. Jorge Miranda trains the Texas-bred for owner Junior’s Quarter Horses Inc.

A veteran of only five career starts, Ultimate Wave broke his maiden in a trial to the Adequan Arapahoe Derby Challenge and then came by to win the final by 2 ¼ lengths. His three victories in the Challenge program have earned him more than $115,000.

“He didn’t break that sharp, but 40 yards into the race he really picked it up,” said Ramirez. “I had never ridden him before, but the trainer told me to get a clean trip and that he would try hard for me.”

Bred by Keilani Farms, Ultimate Wave is out of the Grade 1-winning millionaire Eye For Corona. Her four starters are all winners.

Mr Taka B, a 31-1 longshot running for Vanessa Bartoo, rallied to earn second-place money. The multiple stakes-placed gelding is by leading sire Feature Mr Jess.

LMR 2001’s Huckleberry Mojito and Michael Amburn’s A Game Dame finished in a dead heat for third. Huckleberry Mojito is a filly by Feature Mr Jess and A Game Dame is by First N Kool.

Fols Jesse, Jess A Comment, Exciting The Planet, Second Painted Sign, Attack The Cartel, Painted Lies and Special Awards completed the order of finish.

Courtesy of www.aqharacing.com