Js Night Moves, under jockey Jesus Valenzuela, winning $22,000 Energy Downs AQHA Bonus Stakes on Sunday.

© Coady Photography

GILLETTE, WY–MAY 21, 2023–Now two for two, Js Night Moves’ 2-year-old campaign is off to a fast start with a win in the $22,000 Energy Downs AQHA Bonus Stakes on Sunday.

The 300-yard stake was restricted to Challenge-enrolled 2-year-olds.

Js Night Moves ($10.00) and Jesus Valenzuela broke on top in the field of nine and finished three-quarters of a length over Queenelizabethcartel.

The gelding is trained by Kylie Valenzuela; the Valenzuela jockey-trainer team swept both Quarter Horse stakes on the card.

Js Night Moves is owned by Kathy Daniels and was bred in Idaho by Jeffrey Steadman, by Winners Version and out of Judging Julie, by Judge Cash. He won his first start of his career in a maiden race at Pocatello earlier this year and has earned $12,665.

Queenelizabethcartel and jockey Luis Peralta finished second in the filly’s career debut for trainer Jesse Villegas and owner Juanita Villegas.

Jose Enriquez bred the filly in New Mexico by Onedashingdifference, out of Daddy Queen Cartel, by Big Daddy Cartel.

Jlm Embezzler Queen was the post-time favorite heading into the race after an impressive maiden-breaking effort at Miles City two weeks ago in which she won by over two lengths.

She is trained by Jess Matt, who also co-bred and owns the filly with Tyler Johnston; Jesus Virgen was in the irons in Sunday’s stake. The black filly is by Downside Embezzler and is out of the Brindis Por Cayenne mare Queen Cayenne.

Completing the field were Lollygagger, The Fiscal Seis, Risin Cowboy, Famous Loaded Dice, Light of a Queen and One Separate Eagle. Dcr C Nor Doubtfire was scratched.