Grade 2 Sam Houston Derby winner Eagle On A June Bug turned in the fastest qualifying performance Saturday night at Lone Star Park, stopping the clock in 21.157 for 440 yards to lead 10 finalists into the $334,000 Texas Classic Derby (G1) on November 21.

The three-year-old gelding posted a 104 speed index while defeating Aj Cyclone by three-quarters of a length in the second of five trials. The impressive performance highlighted an evening in which the three fastest qualifiers all emerged from the same trial, contested as the ninth race on the program.

Eagle On A June Bug, the 7-10 favorite, broke sharply from post five and quickly established command. Although drifting outward during the race, he maintained a clear advantage and drew away to secure the fastest qualifying time.

Ridden by H. Javier Hernandez for trainer Sebastian Gonzales, the Texas-bred gelding races for Sergio Jimenez and Enrique Santollo. Bred by Robert T. Moudy III, Eagle On A June Bug is by Eagles Fly Higher out of Sandy June Bug, by Blushing Bug.

A $20,000 graduate of the 2024 TQHA Yearling Sale, Eagle On A June Bug has compiled six wins and three seconds from 12 career starts, earning $372,326. In addition to his Sam Houston Derby (G2) victory, he finished second in the Louisiana Downs Futurity (G2) and TQHA Sale Futurity (RG1). He was also a finalist in the Texas Classic Futurity, All American Gold Cup (G1), and Eastex Stakes (G2).

Aj Cyclone secured the second-fastest qualifying time of :21.269 after finishing three-quarters of a length behind Eagle On A June Bug in the ninth race. The Apollitical Jess gelding overcame contact at the start and finished strongly under jockey Juan Pulido, earning his place in the November 21 championship.

Owned by Dennis Dreier and trained by Kash Reed, Aj Cyclone was bred in Oklahoma by Rancho El Cabresto Inc. He is out of Feature Jess Rockin, by Feature Mr Jess, and was purchased for $100,000 at the 2024 Heritage Place Yearling Sale.

Point Blank Range, winner of the Heritage Place Derby (G2), completed the three fastest qualifiers after finishing third in the same trial in :21.339. The gelding finished a half-length behind Aj Cyclone and 1 1/4 lengths behind Eagle On A June Bug.

Ridden by Roman Cruz for trainer Dee Keener, Point Blank Range broke outward but recovered to race prominently before settling for third. The son of Tell Cartel is out of Fannie Blankers, by Bodacious Dash.

Owned by 918 Bloodstock, Point Blank Range was bred in Oklahoma by J. Garvan Kelly and J. Lloyd Yother. He was a $40,000 purchase at the 2024 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale.

The accomplished gelding has won five of nine career starts, with one second and one third, while earning $194,033. In addition to capturing the Heritage Place Derby (G2), he was a finalist in the Rainbow Derby (G1) and All American Invitational Stakes.

The fourth-fastest qualifier, Rf Runaway Cowboy, captured the opening trial, race eight, in :21.421. The Flying Cowboy 123 gelding drew away late to defeat Hes No Politician by 1 1/4 lengths.

Owned by Victor Jordan and trained by Marc Jungers, Rf Runaway Cowboy was ridden by Raul Ramirez Jr. The Louisiana-bred gelding is out of Rf Runaway Duck, by Sir Runaway Dash, and was bred by Rogers Farm, Tim and Jennie Rogers.

A $80,000 graduate of the 2024 Heritage Place Winter Mixed Sale, Rf Runaway Cowboy has earned $279,318 from 14 starts, recording four wins, four seconds and two thirds. His previous accomplishments include runner-up honors in the Texas Classic Futurity (G1), a third-place finish in the Dash For Cash Derby (G2), and a finalist appearance in the Ruidoso Derby (G1).

The remaining trial winners also secured berths in the championship. Seven Summers Ago won the 11th race in :21.462, Royalist captured the 10th in :21.498, and Cyber Blues closed the evening with a :21.524 victory in the 12th race.

Seven Summers Ago, a Kiss My Hocks gelding owned by Dennis Dreier and trained by Kash Reed, defeated Inflation by three-quarters of a length. Royalist, a Corona Cartel colt owned by Hector Reina and trained by Ben Olaveson, also scored by three-quarters of a length. Cyber Blues, a Cyber Monday gelding owned by Rancho El 48 LLC and trained by James J. Gonzales II, drew away by 1 1/4 lengths.

The 10 fastest qualifiers advancing to the November 21 final are Eagle On A June Bug (:21.157), Aj Cyclone (:21.269), Point Blank Range (:21.339), Rf Runaway Cowboy (:21.421), Seven Summers Ago (:21.462), Royalist (:21.498), Eagles Diamond (:21.509), Cyber Blues (:21.524), Whos the V (:21.531), and Inflation (:21.578).

The $334,000 Texas Classic Derby (G1) will be contested at 440 yards on Saturday, November 21, at Lone Star Park.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of qualifiers with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, and jockeys.

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Tell Cartel added another highlight to his 2026 sire record Friday night when JT Midlife Crisis posted another fastest qualifying time for the $1,000,000 Texas Classic Futurity (G1) at Lone Star Park.

The multiple graded stakes winner out of Wranglers Vision, by Real Visions led 10 qualifiers from 15 trials contested at 400 yards. He will return to Lone Star Park on Saturday, November 21, seeking his third graded stakes victory and first Grade 1 title in one of the richest Quarter Horse races of the fall season.

Under jockey Roman Cruz, JT Midlife Crisis broke from the inside post and established an early lead in the 14th trial. He extended his advantage through the race before finishing 2¼ lengths ahead of Ruse Man Crystal, with Revenant Mark third.

The sorrel gelding completed the distance in :19.398, earning a 101 speed index. His time topped the :19.445 posted by undefeated All American Futurity (G1) winner Cowboys Flying.

JT Midlife Crisis has compiled a nearly perfect record, winning seven of eight starts and posting the fastest or second-fastest qualifying time in each of the three futurities he has entered. He has earned $298,222, with victories in the Dash For Cash Futurity (G2) and Speedhorse Futurity (G3), along with a finalist appearance in the Easy Jet Stakes (G2).

JT Midlife Crisis leads a productive season for Tell Cartel, who is represented by 36 winners and 12 black-type performers in 2026, with progeny earnings exceeding $1.3 million.

From 89 lifetime starters, Tell Cartel has sired 21 black-type runners—nearly 24 percent of his starters. His progeny have earned more than $2.5 million, averaging $28,600 per starter. He currently ranks No. 4 among the nation’s third-crop sires by stakes winners and No. 1 among Arizona stallions by progeny earnings.

He is the sire of four runner with earnings exceeding $100,000, who have all competed this year. They include JT Midlife Crisis SI 104 ($298,222), Show N Tell Cartel SI 98 ($292,628), Point Blank Range SI 98 ($194,033) and Tell A Scout SI 98 ($123,205).

Other stakes performers include Eye The Cartel SI 98 ($98,470), Kas He Tells You SI 95 ($92,840) and Alittlelesstalk SI 95 ($88,983).

A two-time champion himself, Tell Cartel SI 105 earned $796,386 during his racing career. The son of leading sire Favorite Cartel was bred by California breeder Martha Wells, who retains ownership.

Tell Cartel is out of Chicks Tell by Chicks Beduino, whose produce record includes 30 winners and 10 black-type performers. He is a full brother to multiple stakes winners, including Chicks Fayvorite, My Favorite Cartel and Chicks Cartell, and a half-brother to stakes winners Forrest Fire and Tell Foose.

The family’s influence continues through Chicks Tell’s descendants, which have also produced multiple stakes winners.

Buyers will have an opportunity to purchase Tell Cartel offspring at the upcoming Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale, where five of his racing-age horses are cataloged.

Tell Cartel is enrolled in the new Fuego Stallion Incentive program. His 2026 foals and foals resulting from 2027 breedings will be eligible for the Azul Flight. Additional incentives include Bitterroot, AQRA, Black Gold, Beehive, Desert Classic, OQHRA, QHRAI, Speedhorse and TQHA Sires’ Cup.

Tell Cartel stands at Fales Ranch for the 2027 breeding season for a fee of $5,500. For breeding information or contracts, contact Ralph and Carrie Fales at 520-723-7480 or falesranch@gmail.com.

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All-time leading money-earning Quarter Horse Kj Desparado added another Grade 1 victory to his remarkable career Saturday night, holding off a determined Stetsonn by a neck in the $290,375 AQHA Racing Challenge Championship (G1) at The Downs at Albuquerque.

The 7-year-old gelding, sent off as the 6-5 favorite, completed the 440 yards in 21.063 seconds, earning a 98 speed index over a fast racing surface while facing a 4-mph headwind.

Ridden by Noe Garcia Jr. for trainer Wesley T. Giles, Kj Desparado broke sharply from post six, established an early advantage, and maintained a narrow lead through the stretch. Under a strong drive, the veteran champion turned back Stetsonn's challenge to secure the $133,573 winner's share.

The victory increased Kj Desparado's career earnings to $3,617,850, further extending his position as the richest racing American Quarter Horse in history.

Owned by John Lee, Kathy Lee, and Ruben Mares, Kj Desparado is a 7-year-old brown gelding by leading sire Apollitical Jess out of Tres Veses, by Tres Seis. He was bred in Arizona by L&L Land & Cattle.

Saturday's victory improved his career record to 19 wins, 11 seconds, and one third from 38 starts.

Kj Desparado's extraordinary racing career includes victories in the All American Futurity (G1), Texas Classic Futurity (G1), Ruidoso Derby (G1), All American Derby (G1), Texas Classic Derby (G1), All American Gold Cup (G1), and two editions of the Refrigerator Championship (G1), among other major stakes.

His latest championship triumph added another prestigious title to a career that has spanned five racing seasons and established him among the sport's all-time greats.

Stetsonn, a 4-year-old gelding by champion Jess Good Candy, turned in a determined runner-up performance, finishing a neck behind the winner and earning $58,075.

Breaking from post seven under champion jockey James A. Flores, Stetsonn raced prominently throughout, dueling with the winner before narrowly missing in the final strides.

Trained by Dean R. Frey for owners G. R. Carter Jr. and Shaena Carter, Stetsonn is a home bred for the Carters. He is out of Stella Lou, by One Famous Eagle.

Stetsonn was an $18,000 RNA at the 2023 Ruidoso Yearling Sale.

The gelding has compiled five wins and one second from 10 career starts, with earnings of $201,029. His accomplishments include a victory in the Remington Park Championship Challenge Stakes (G2), along with finalist appearances in the Ruidoso Derby (G1) and Remington Park Derby (RG1).

Scoops Dynasty completed the trifecta, finishing another half-length behind Stetsonn to earn $29,038 for owner Edward J. McNelis.

The 7-year-old gelding, ridden by Jacob Enriquez for trainer Diego Cervantes, raced in fourth early before advancing into third and holding that position by a neck.

Bred by Edward J. and Von Zae McNelis, Scoops Dynasty is by five-time world champion sire FDD Dynasty out of Bye Sweet Girl, by Dashin Bye.

An accomplished Grade 1 winner himself, Scoops Dynasty has earned $844,725 from 36 career starts, recording 11 wins, nine seconds, and four thirds.

His stakes victories include the AQHA Racing Challenge Championship (G1), two editions of the Go Man Go Handicap (G1), Los Alamitos Winter Derby (G1), and Golden State Derby (G2).

Hooked N Gone finished fourth, a neck behind Scoops Dynasty, followed by Mysterious Cartel in fifth, Bold N Beautiful in sixth, Eagles Up in seventh, Bee A Freight Train in eighth, Shaundas Eagle in ninth, and Shakers No Secret in tenth.

The championship highlighted Saturday night's AQHA Racing Challenge Championship program at The Downs at Albuquerque, bringing together some of the nation's most accomplished older Quarter Horses.

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All American Futurity (G1) runner-up Ask Her To Fly, Valley Junction Futurity (G3) winner Jessa Southern Girl, and multiple stakes winner Flying Fire headline a field of 85 two-year-old fillies entered in 10 trials Monday, November 2, for the $596,419.50 Black Gold Fillies Futurity Championship at Will Rogers Downs.

The 400-yard trials will be contested in races 2 through 11, beginning at 12:25 p.m. (CDT). The 10 fastest qualifiers, regardless of finishing position, will advance to the championship final, which offers a winner's share of $238,567.80.

The lucrative championship purse includes $479,060 in nomination payments, $36,250 from the Black Gold Stallion Account, and $112,500 in added money. An additional $31,390.50 has been allocated for stallion awards.

Ask Her To Fly Brings Grade 1 Credentials

Ask Her To Fly, the richest and most accomplished filly entered in Monday's trials with $610,175 in career earnings, will start from post seven in the fifth race as the 8-5 morning-line favorite.

The daughter of Flying Cowboy 123 out of Ask The Question, by Teller Cartel, finished second to Cowboys Flying in the $3 million All American Futurity (G1) on September 7 after previously finishing third in the $1 million Ruidoso Futurity (G1) in June.

She has compiled three wins, two seconds, and one third from eight career starts while qualifying for all three major New Mexico futurities this season.

Owned and bred by A. Randall Geiselman, the Oklahoma-bred filly is trained by Jason Olmstead and will be ridden by Ramiro Garcia.

Among her principal opponents is Dansing Queeen, a 3-1 morning-line choice owned and bred by Dr. Susan Raymond. The daughter of B Cause Im A Hero out of Apollitical Senorita, by Apollitical Jess, is trained by Jose Gonzales II and will have Cristian Cardenas aboard.

Why So Political, a daughter of Apollitical Jess out of Why, by First Down Dash, is listed at 7-2. Owned and bred by Cavenaugh Quarter Horses LLC, she is trained by Olmstead and will be ridden by Jesus Soto.

Jessa Southern Girl Seeks Sixth Consecutive Victory

Jessa Southern Girl enters Monday's sixth race riding a five-race winning streak that includes a victory in the $345,000 Valley Junction Futurity (G3) at Prairie Meadows on September 25.

The $199,617 earner has won five of seven career starts and is the 8-5 morning-line favorite in the nine-horse field.

A $103,000 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale graduate, Jessa Southern Girl is a daughter of Apollitical Jess out of Mary Paintyourwagon, by PYC Paint Your Wagon.

Bred in Oklahoma by Leann J. Burns, the filly races for Robert S. Brown and is trained by Jason Olmstead. Ali Alvidrez will ride from post seven.

Her opposition includes Youve Got The Look, a 3-1 choice trained by Clinton Crawford for owners Sandy and Randy Coleman.

The daughter of Cyber Monday out of Famous Gisele, by One Famous Eagle, will be ridden by Francisco Calderon from the outside post nine.

Matilda 4, a daughter of Favorite Cartel out of Working Girl Blues, by Corona Cartel, is listed at 4-1 for owner CH Horse Racing LLC. Santos Mendoza trains the filly, with Bryan Candanosa named to ride.

Multiple Stakes Winner Flying Fire Heads Fourth Race

Flying Fire, a two-time stakes winner with $73,229 in career earnings, will attempt to add another major championship appearance to her record in Monday's fourth race.

The daughter of Flying Cowboy 123 out of Rfancy Fire, by Walk Thru Fire, has won three of seven starts and finished second three times.

Her stakes victories include the $75,000 FL Lady Bug Stakes (RG3) at Remington Park on May 30 and the $30,000 Valley Junction Juvenile at Prairie Meadows on September 25.

Owned and bred by Bryan Hawk, the Oklahoma-bred filly is trained by Jason Olmstead and will be ridden by Ramiro Garcia. She is the 2-1 morning-line favorite from post nine.

Flying Fire faces a competitive field that includes Vaquerita 4, a 3-1 contender owned by CH Horse Racing LLC.

The daughter of Flying Cowboy 123 out of Miss Southern Dd, by FDD Dynasty, was bred by Sam W. Green and is trained by Marcos Chavez-Gutierrez. Leading jockey Nestor Duran has the riding assignment from post two.

Embrace The Rock, a daughter of Rock Solid Jess out of My Moment Of Glory, by PYC Paint Your Wagon, is listed at 4-1 for owner and breeder Sarah Huskey. Stacy Charette-Hill trains the filly, with Jorge Torres aboard.

Sweet Lorali, Cartier Clash in Opening Trial

The opening trial, scheduled as Monday's second race, features Mystery Futurity (RG2) finalist Sweet Lorali as the 2-1 morning-line favorite.

Owned and bred by Randal E. Schwartz, Sweet Lorali won her September 14 Mystery Futurity trial at Will Rogers Downs before finishing eighth in the September 28 final.

The daughter of Dulce Sin Tacha out of Cartel Dakota, by Favorite Cartel, has earned $13,274 from five starts, including one victory and one second-place finish.

Stacey Capps trains the Oklahoma-bred filly, who will be ridden by Cody Smith from post five.

Cartier, a daughter of first-crop sire Golden Boi out of Jess Kiss Me, by Kiss My Hocks, is the 3-1 second choice.

Owned and bred by Brandon Chavez, Cartier has earned $28,867 from seven starts. The Jason Olmstead trainee will be ridden by Ramiro Garcia from post three.

The field also includes BP Southern Money, a daughter of A Revenant out of BP Shes Southern, by Southern Cartel. The $32,000 Heritage Place Yearling Sale graduate is owned by Gregory Cullum and trained by Kash Reed, with Francisco Calderon aboard.

A Painted Fling Returns Following Allowance Victory

A Painted Fling, winner of an October 12 allowance race at Will Rogers Downs, heads the eighth race as the 2-1 morning-line favorite.

The daughter of PYC Paint Your Wagon out of One Famous Fling, by One Famous Eagle, defeated a field that included Cartier in her latest appearance.

Owned and bred by Calder and Candy Ezzell, A Painted Fling is trained by Justin Joiner and will be ridden by Mario Delgado from post two.

Remember Thiz Kiss, a daughter of Kiss My Hocks out of Apollitical Mel, by Apollitical Jess, is the 4-1 second choice for owners Tiffany and Kyle James.

The Sergio Valdivia trainee will be ridden by Cody Smith from post four.

Miss Dashin Hocks, a daughter of Kiss My Hocks out of Lil Famous Dash, by One Famous Eagle, adds further depth to the field.

Owned by Heavy Hitters Racing Stables, the 7-2 contender is trained by Juan Davis and will have Edwin Escobedo aboard.

Im A Boujee Chick Among Late-Trial Contenders

Im A Boujee Chick, a daughter of Im A Fancy PYC out of Chase This Chick, by Country Chicks Man, is the 2-1 morning-line favorite in the 10th race.

Owned and bred by Chase This Chick Syndicate, the Oklahoma-bred filly is trained by Jason Olmstead and will be ridden by Ali Alvidrez from post five.

Her principal opposition includes Relentless Ruth, a 3-1 contender owned and bred by Gene Cox.

The daughter of Hes Relentless out of Kellies Seis, by Tres Seis, is trained by Stacey Capps and will be ridden by Cody Smith from post four.

The final trial, scheduled for 4:10 p.m., features La Siccaria as the 2-1 morning-line favorite.

The daughter of FDD Dynasty out of Jess Cindy, by Apollitical Jess, races for Marty and Shalia Powers. Toby Keeton Willis trains the filly, with Gonzalo Gutierrez named to ride.

Wanna Ferarri, a daughter of Hes Relentless out of Ferarri Win, by Freighttrain B, is the 3-1 second choice for owner and breeder Weetona Stanley.

John Vane trains the Oklahoma-bred filly, who will be ridden by Juan Pulido from post one.

Ten Fastest Advance to Championship

With 85 fillies competing across 10 trials, qualifying times will determine the championship field, placing additional importance on fast starts and clean trips over the 400-yard distance.

The championship offers $101,391.32 for second, $65,606.15 for third, and $53,677.76 for fourth, with purse money distributed through 10th place.

All finalists must provide an additional negative hair test before entering the championship.

Monday's 11-race program begins at noon (CDT), with the first Black Gold Fillies Futurity Championship trial scheduled for 12:25 p.m. and the final trial at 4:10 p.m.

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