Grade 1 finalist Empressum will the $47,685 John Deere Will Rogers Juvenile Challenge on Sunday.

© Dustin Orona Photography

CLAREMORE, OK—OCTOBER 1, 2020—Four regional Bank of America Racing Challenge stakes, topped by the 350-yard, $47,685 John Deere Will Rogers Juvenile Challenge, are scheduled for Will Rogers Downs on Sunday.

Fastest qualifier Empressum, a homebred son of world champion Apollitical Jess trained by Guillermo Valdivia for owners Jeff Jones and Steve Holt, made his local debut with a head victory in the first of two trials on September 13. The sorrel gelding has earned $59,513 from six races, and he was a finalist in the 400-yard, $1-million Rainbow Futurity (G1) at Ruidoso Downs on July 19.

Empressum drew post 8 and will be ridden by Armando Ramirez II.

The complete lineup, in post position order including jockey assignments:

1. Isa Super Freak (Cody Wainscott)
2. Chick Kisser (Josh M. Romero)
3. DBD Orient Express (Juan Pulido)
4. Charlenas Relentless (Bonifacio Quiroz)
5. Kiss My Happy Hips (Ruben Castro)
6. Jess Good Enough (Cody Smith)
7. Jo Shake Em (Agustin Silva)
8. Empressum (Armando Ramirez II)
9. BV Rocky Top (Justine Klaiber)
10. JC Wild King (Mario Delgado)

Also on Sunday, 10 3-year-olds, topped by Tom and Kathleen McNally’s Jess My Hocks, are entered back in the 400-yard, $40,766 Adequan Will Rogers Derby Challenge. The fastest qualifier, Jess My Hocks is coming off of a three-quarter length win in the second of two trials on September 13, and he was a finalist in the April 18, 400-yard Remington Park Derby (RG2), and the May 30, 400-yard Heritage Place Derby (G2). The homebred Kiss My Hocks gelding drew post 7 and will be ridden by Mario Delgado for trainer Michelle Hurdle.

Valeriano Racing Stables’ PJ Splash Of Joy drew post 5 for Sunday’s 400-yard, $24,684 AQHA Will Rogers Distaff Challenge (G3). A 4-year-old daughter of champion First Moonflash trained by Monty Arrossa, the mare will be making her first start since May 30, when she ran third, a neck behind winner Jess B Glory, in the 400-yard, $85,000 Junos Request Stakes (G1) at Remington Park. Juan Pulido will ride PJ Splash Of Joy.

Five distance specialists are entered in Sunday’s 870-yard, $38,242 AQHA Will Rogers Distance Challenge (G3). Ms Esther, a 6-year-old Afrashad (TB) mare owned and trained by Jordan Baumann, is coming off of a third-place finish, 1 1/2 lengths behind winner Let There Be Sound, in the May 30, $40,000 Remington Park Distance Championship (G1). Ms Esther drew post 3 and will be ridden by Andrew Samaniego.

All Will Rogers Downs races can be seen at Q-RacingVideo.com.