Challenge


Love To Reason Br Posts Dominating Performance in Sandy Downs Distaff Trials
Love To Reason Br, under jockey Jose Figueroa, setting the fastest time for the Sandy Downs Distaff Challenge Friday.

© Kira Crook Photography
Love To Reason Br Posts Dominating Performance in Sandy Downs Distaff Trials

IDAHO FALLS, ID—JUNE 22, 2018—Coming off a win in the Sun Downs Distaff Challenge last month, Love To Reason Br blew the competition in the first of two trials Friday for the Sandy Downs Distaff Challenge.

Under jockey Jose Figueroa, the 5-year-old mare was much the best as she romped to a 3 ¾ length win and the top qualifying time of :19,569 seconds, a 101 speed index.

Trainer Farrol Cunningham saddled the daughter of champion Good Reason SA for owner CMH Welding, LLC. Benny Rosset bred the sorrel mare in California from the Strawfly Special mare Strength In Numbers. She has compiled a (14) 4-4-3 record and banked $26,099.

In the second trial Les and Darla Barlow's homebred Sparklin Cartel defeated Betrothen by a nose to get the second fastest time of :19.827 seconds, a 94 speed index. Garth Blattner conditions the daughter of champion sire The Louisiana Cartel from the First Wrangler mare Sign Of Pride. Cordarelton Benn had the riding call.

Also a 5-year-old, the stakes-placed Sparklin Cartel has compiled a (25) 8-5-4 record and earned $31,417. Gary Messenger is the co-bred the mare in Idaho with Les Barlow.

Multiple stakes-placed Betrothen held on for the third fastest time of :19.835 seconds, also a 94 speed index. The 7-year-old California-bred daughter of champion sire Walk Thru Fire put in a solid effort under jockey Jesus Canales.

James G. Hanson saddled the brown mare for owner RTM Stables LLC. Ricky and Melinda Overly bred Betrothen from the Rare Form mare Flo Jo Lady. A winner of eight of 27 starts, she has earned $58,530.

The 10 fastest qualifiers from the two trial races will return to Sandy Downs on July 4th to vie for the winner's share of the $18,000-added purse as well the top two finishers will earn a berth to the $100,000-est. Distaff Challenge Championship(G1) to be contested on November 17th at Los Alamitos Race Course during the Bank of America Challenge Championship Night.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of Sandy Downs Distaff finalists, times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys.

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