Q-RACING JOURNAL—OCTOBER 18, 2014—Garlyn O. Shelton’s homebred Stoli Angel has spent her share of time on the road this year with races in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Iowa, and it all paid off with a mild upset at odds of 6-1 in the $100,000 Merial Distaff Challenge Championship (G1) on Saturday night at Prairie Meadows.

Just a month ago, the 4-year-old Stoli mare finished fifth in the Merial Prairie Meadows Distaff Challenge, but she turned things around when the big money was on the line and prevailed by three-parts of a length with Larry Payne riding for trainer Russell Harris. The Texas-bred clocked 400 yards in :19.576.

“This mare here has just been an iron horse,” said Harris. “She went to Denver, Houston, Ruidoso and then out here. She was a little tired after I ran her here the first time so I’m glad I got her here to have a full month of rest. She freshened up and she finished real good.”

Stoli Angel earned her trip to Prairie Meadows with a victory in the Merial Arapahoe Distaff Challenge, and this win was her third of the year after winning just once in her first nine career starts while competing in trials for Grade 1 futurities and derbies at Ruidoso Downs. Her earnings now stand at $125,342.

Socorro Lopez’s Furyofthewind filly Kateillac, who entered with just a maiden win but had hit the board in her last six starts, closed well to finish second with Ramiro Garcia in the irons for trainer Jose Aguilera. She earned $20,000 for the effort.

Rodney Verret’s Madresita, who won the Merial Prairie Meadows Distaff Challenge, took third with Cesar Gomez riding for trainer Kasey Willis. The daughter of Pappasito picked up $10,000.

Completing the field were Zoom, Alota Action, Im A Feature Girl, Shez Jess Toxic, Ianna, Sr Rode Tah Glory and Tarry. Whip Curl was a late scratch.

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