IDAHO FALLS, ID—AUGUST 28, 2010—Gary and Jeralyn Messenger's Iona Corona picked up his second consecutive 870 yard victory on Saturday and earned himself a trip to New Orleans. The 4-year-old went wire-to-wire to win the $13,500 Red Cell Sandy Downs Distance Challenge Championship at the Idaho Falls track.

The Corona For Me gelding opened up early, leading by as much 1 ½ lengths, before holding off a late rally from Yin Your Eyes to win by a neck. He completed his task in :46.192 seconds.

Saddled by Bret Vickery, Iona Corona earned $5,400 for the effort, but more importantly it garnered an invite to the $125,000 Guaranteed Red Cell Distance Challenge Championship(G1) on November 19th. The race will be run on the Bank of America Challenge Championship Night card at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans.

Ridden by Paul Greene, the gelding was bred in Idaho by the Messengers. The winner's purse pushed his career earnings purse to over $51,000 with a 8-3-1 record in 18 starts.

Yin Your Eyes got off a slow start before putting a late rally to just miss for owner/trainer Bill Holburg. The Eye Yin You 3-year-old was making just his second start at the 870 yard distance. Ridden by Nikeela Black he earned $2.700.

Four lengths off the leaders, Victorysgotalotahope finished third for owner The Victory Group, Inc. Scott Raley saddled the Shazoom 5-year-old to earn $1,350. Joe Crispin was aboard.

Completing the field were Weber, First Hand Luke, Legal Runaway, Winning Runaway, Cg Bet Your Socks and Tellmeiwasdreaming.