Sfs Alice Strikes, guided by Cristian Esqueda, wins the $112,560 Polk County Derby at Prairie Meadows on Saturday.

© Coady Photography

ALTOONA, IA–OCTOBER 1, 2022–Sfs Alice Strikes rallied for the win in the $112,560 Polk County Derby at Prairie Meadows on Saturday.

With Cristian Esqueda in the irons, Sfs Alice Strikes broke first from the gates but lost her ground at the first stretch. The daughter of leading sire Apollitical Jess quickly dug in her heels and gamely crossed the wire a 1/2-length over post-time favorite Rakin In Mo.

Sfs Alice Strikes clocked an 87 speed index in :20.137 seconds on the 400-yard straightaway. The victory paid $7.40 to win and the $112,560 winner’s share upped her lifetime earnings to $182,091.

Stacy Charette-Hill saddled Sfs Alice Strickes, who has four career wins, including the Cyclone Derby earlier this season and the Jim Bader Futurity in 2021. Bred and owned by Sunflower Stables, LLC, the three-year-old filly is out of the Corona Cartel mare So Striking, who’s dam is stakes winner Marys Moo Vin First.

Fastest qualifier from the trials, Rakin In Mo placed second under the guidance of Erik Esqueda. The daughter of Lil Kool Wagon has lit the board nine out of ten starts with 5 career wins and $97,192 in earnings. 

Wayne Garner conditioned Rakin In Mo for owner Lisa Baumeister. Bred by Debora Tritch and Brian Rowson, the three-year-old filly is out of Bullota Blue by Talkalota Bull.

Lil Pete El Soruyo, ridden by Andrew Samaniego, made a strong finished for third in the derby. Stacy Belt trained the Humberto Rivera homebred gelding who just broke his maiden earlier this month. The son of Lil Kool Wagon has earned $34,057 and is out of Pistolpaknprincess by Rare King.

The remaining order of finish is Colies Kiss, Vals Sizzling Lips, Candy And Corona, Tell Her Hes Candy, Lil Pistol Pete, Kool Aid Wagon and Famous Coronado.

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

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.