Racing


Gigi Tianna Dominates With Wire-To-Wire Upset Victory In $20,000 Valley Junction Juvenile Stakes
James Flores guides Gigi Tianna to 3/4-length victory in the $20,000 Valley Junction Juvenile Stakes at Prairie Meadows on Friday night.

© Coady Photography
Gigi Tianna Dominates With Wire-To-Wire Upset Victory In $20,000 Valley Junction Juvenile Stakes

ALTOONA, IA–SEPTEMBER 30, 2022–Gigi Tianna dominates the $20,000 Valley Junction Juvenile Stakes with an upset victory over post-time favorite Malibu Bar B at Prairie Meadows Friday night.

Two-time champion jockey James Flores guided Gigi Tianna to her 3/4-length victory leading the pack from wire-to-wire. With no wind on a fast track, the duo clocked a 93 speed index in :17.680 seconds on the 350-yard straight away. The long shot victory with 15-1 odds at the post paid $34.00 to win on a $2.00 wager.  

Ridden by Erik Esqueda, Malibu Bar B was favored to win but on a bumped start just couldn’t gain the lead. She crossed the finish line in second place a head over third place finisher Where Theres Sumoke and her jockey Angel Ramirez.

Saddled by Stacy Charette-Hill, Gigi Tianna just broke her maiden in July and placed fourth in her trial heat to the Valley Junction Futurity. The daughter of Jess Louisiana Blue has won $14,028 for her owners/breeder M.C. and Cindy Stocks of Oklahoma. Gigi Tianna is the first foal of racing age out of Gianna Grace, who’s sire is Dominyun.

Also trained by Stacy Charette Hill, runner up Malibu Bar B just broke her maiden in August and placed second in her trial heat to the Valley Junction Futurity. The daughter of Freighttrain B has $16,760 in career earnings.

Bred by Bobby D. Cox, Malibu Bar B sold in last year’s Heritage Place Yearling Sale for $55,000 to her current owner Stephanie Lopez. The Louisiana bred filly is out of multiple stakes producing mare Splendifferous by Mr Jess Perry.

Third place finisher Where Theres Sumoke has won $11,887 for owners Lucky Ace Racing Partners. Breeder Corner K Quarter Horses, LLC sold Where Theres Sumoke for $62,000 in last year’s Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale. The daughter of leading sire Apollitical Jess is out of Grade 3 winner Sumokin by Country Chicks Man.

The remaining order of finish is Shine On Piloto, My Vgw Hero, Im Jess An Angel, Puts N The Work, Kosmos Reserve, Sweet Candy Lips and Jess B Jazzin.

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About Prairie Meadows
Prairie Meadows began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989 with the goal of promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa. Through taxes, grants, and charitable donations, Prairie Meadows has given $2 billion to the state of Iowa. Prairie Meadows offers slot machines, table games, live and simulcast racing, sports wagering, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.