Scoops Dynasty, under jockey Armando Cervantes, easily winning the $41,514 Adequan California Derby Challenge Sunday night at Los Alamitos Race Course.

© Amber Mendez

LOS ALAMITOS, CA—MAY 22, 2022— Edward and Von Zae McNelis’ homebred Scoops Dynasty improved to a perfect three for three this season after a clear victory in the $41,514 Adequan California Derby Challenge on Sunday at Los Alamitos.

Making his first start since winning the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Winter Derby on February 19, Scoops Dynasty was bumped at the start of the Adequan California regional before recovering quickly to take the lead.

The gelding by three-time world champion sire FDD Dynasty moved ahead of his eight rivals in this race after the first 100 yards, opening a 1 ¼ length advantage over stablemate My Game Plan.

Ridden by Armando Cervantes for trainer Monty Arrossa, Scoops Dynasty continued powerfully from there as he extended his lead to 1 ½ lengths before cruising to the wire to win by a length.          

he winning connections of Scoops Dynasty accept the Adequan California Derby Challenge Stakes trophy Sunday night at Los Alamitos. © Amber Mendez

The McNelises’ My Game Plan was second across the wire, but he was disqualified by the racing stewards and placed seventh after breaking in and bumping inside rivals. Following this decision, Randy Dickerson’s CM Blue By You moved up from third to finish in second place.

Scoops Dynasty’s unbeaten record this year began in sensational form in the 400-yard trials to the Winter Derby on January 29. The Idaho-bred won by two lengths on that night, while posting the fastest qualifying time to the Winter Derby.

He followed it up with an equally impressive effort in the final, as he crossed the wire ¾ lengths ahead of A Pollitical Candy V. The 2-5 favorite in the Adequan California final, Scoops Dynasty picked up his third victory in a row at 400 yards, crossing the wire in a time of :19.861.

Scoops Dynasty earned $19,512 for the win to take his career earnings to $152,940. Now a winner in four of eight career starts, Scoops Dynasty also earned a berth to the Adequan Derby Challenge Championship to be held on Bank of America Challenge Championship Night at the Horseshoe Indianapolis on October 22.

“We are so fortunate to have him,” Edward McNelis said. “We have his momma and of course we also have (My Game Plan). They were raised together. We try hard. We have a small operation, but the FDD Dynasty cross on that mare really worked. It’s been a real key to our success.”

Scoops Dynasty’s dam is Bye Sweet Girl, a lightly raced Dashin Bye mare.

“(Bye Sweet Girl’s) mother produced two champions by a horse bred like (FDD Dynasty),” McNelis added. “We just followed that pattern.”

Bye Sweet Girl’s mother is Beat Your Pants Off, who produced the Tolltac sired AQHA champions Splash Bac and Jumping Tac Flash. Meanwhile, FDD Dynasty’s dam is Grade 1 winner Dynastia Toll BRZ, who is a daughter of the great Tolltac.

 “Blane Schvaneveldt and John Andreini (bred) Bye Sweet Girl,” the owner added. “I bought her here at the sale. It’s worked out.”

Ridden by Ruben Lozano for trainer Luke Lindsey, CM Blue By You earned $8,303 for finishing second. David Hinkins’ Unavailable earned $4,151 for running third for trainer Adan Farias and jockey Rodrigo Aceves.

Oughta See Her Fly, Wave Runner, Thryve, Mason Jar and Wave Burner completed the field.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

For more info, please contact larace@losalamitos.com.  Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @losalracing or visit us online at losalamitos.com.