Century Mile Racetrack will host two trials for the John Deere Century Mile Juvenile Challenge on Saturday.

© Coady Photography Ltd.

By Louanne Wainscott, StallioneSearch

EDMONTON, AB–JUNE 27, 2025–Ten eager maidens are set to break from the gates on Saturday, June 28, in two trial heats of the 350-yard John Deere Century Mile Juvenile Challenge Trials, each looking to secure a spot in the $30,000 guaranteed final to be held on July 19, 2025. The evening promises high-stakes action and early glimpses of future stakes-caliber runners.

Snow Boss headlines as the 5-2 morning line favorite in the opening heat. The gelding, by Jd Wagon Boss out of Northfork Snow (by A Regal Choice), is looking to break his maiden in style after two starts. Racing under the banner of Commotion Creek Contracting Ltd. and WT Ranches Ltd., Snow Boss is trained by veteran conditioner William H. Leech and will break from post position two with Alfredo T. Amador in the irons.

Posed as the main threat is O Sawyer, a homebred gelding by First Timber out of Lets Get Going (by Separatist), owned, bred, and trained by Wesley T. Oulton. O Sawyer rebounded strongly from earlier trouble, including bumping the rail, and comes into this trial with momentum and grit. Drawing the outside post five, Daniel A. Garcia will guide him in what could be a surprise victory to secure a coveted finals spot.

Also contesting in this heat is Warning Shott, a filly by Mpshinning out of Seperate Flight (by Separatist), running for owner Jerry Stojan and trained by Leech. After a strong runner-up finish last out, she’ll be a sleeper pick from post position four under Ricardo Moreno.

In the second heat, eyes are on Hez D Man, another promising gelding from the Commotion Creek and WT Ranches operation. The son of Uncle D out of Ll Talitha(PT) by Dealagame)is the 5-2 morning line favorite after finishing third and second in his two prior starts. Trained by Buckey A. Stockwell, he’ll break from the rail with O. A. Hernandez aboard, aiming to build on his upward form.

The top five finishers from each heat will return in three weeks for a shot at the lucrative $30,000 John Deere Juvenile Challenge Final, with a berth on the national circuit hanging in the balance.

CM Distance #1 Stakes: Sprint Stars Go the Distance

The third race, the CM Distance #1 Stakes, is also on the card. It is a two-turn, 870-yard test offering a $20,000 purse and a showdown between seasoned routers and rising stars.

Drawing the rail and opening as the 5-2 favorite is SS Pineapple, a consistent six-year-old gelding by Cuivre River out of Zillas Amour (by Birdzilla (TB)). A multiple winner with over $51,000 in earnings, he’s bred and owned by Sazwan Speed Horses, trained by Carl Perry, and will be ridden by Martin Ortiz.

His main rival comes in the form of Willie Lump Lump, a four-year-old gelding who has already shown he loves this distance. Sired by Big Lew out of Valdarama(PT) by Country Quick Dash (PT), Willie Lump Lump notably defeated SS Pineapple over 770 yards in their last meeting. Owned by Isaak Fehr and trained by Misael Moreno, he’ll break from post three under Daniel Tavares.

With a field of five, the CM Distance #1 Stakes promises to be a highlight on the evening's card — a clash of experience and proven form against hungry challengers stretching their stride.

The post time for the first trial is set for Saturday evening at 4:45 PM. Racegoers are expecting warm weather, fast footing, and thrilling performances as young stars and seasoned sprinters take the spotlight.

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