LOS ALAMITOS, CA—JANUARY 14, 2018—Abigail Kawananakoa’s Racy High Roller, spoiled He Is The Risingstar’s bid to win the $20,000 Barbra B Handicap for the third year in a row after scoring a half-length win on Sunday at Los Alamitos.

Ridden by Eduardo Nicasio for trainer Chris O’Dell, Racy High Roller led the 550-yard race from start to finish and covered the distance in :26.90.

It was the first stakes win for the One Famous Eagle gelding since the 2016 Grade 2 PCQHRA Breeders Futurity . This was also his first win since his trial to the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity. Racy High Roller earned $11,000 to raise his career earnings to $276,200. It was also his fourth victory in 14 starts.

Bred by Sunflower Supply Co., the Missouri-bred had a nice freshman campaign, winning his first three career victories. He went winless as a sophomore, but he competed in five graded derby trials, taking on the top 3-year-olds on the grounds.

Fulton Quien Sabe Ranches’ He Is The Risingstar had dominated the 550-yard distance at Los Alamitos. The Mr Jess Perry gelding won four stakes races at this distance since December of 2015, including the 2016 and 2017 Barbra B and the Paul Ford Handicap in 2015 and 2016. He was making his first local start since competing in the Refrigerator Handicap at 440 yards.

The Thoroughbred Miss Loujean was moved up from fourth to third following the disqualification of Chicks Fayvorite, who was placed fourth.

Run Raging Rhino Run, Apollitical Gamble, and Newport Coaster completed the field.

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Los Alamitos Race Course held a special presentation in the winner’s circle to celebrate John Cooper’s 80th birthday.

The longtime Quarter Horse trainer has conditioned champions Chingaderos, Separatist, Moonist and Sign Of Lanty during an outstanding career.

He also saddled Mr Doty Bars to an upset win in the Champion of Champions in 1979. Cooper has won 1,435 Quarter Horse races in his career, the fourth highest total in Los Alamitos history.

Courtesy of www.losalamitos.com.