Will Rodgers Downs will host trials for the AQHA Racing Challenge on. Tuesday's race card.

© Jack Coady Photography

By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott

CLAREMORE, OK–SEPTEMBER 8, 2025–On Tuesday afternoon, the final leg of trial heats to qualify for the AQHA Challenge races will be contested, featuring derby and juvenile hopefuls.

The program begins with the Adequan Derby Challenge trials in races three and four, drawing seventeen entrants at 400 yards, followed by thirty-five juveniles in races five through eight for the John Deere Juvenile Challenge trials at 350 yards. Each set of heats will determine the ten fastest qualifiers, who will return for the finals on September 28.

Adequan Derby Challenge Trials

Headlining the Adequan Derby Challenge is Ima Fancy Eye Opener, a multiple graded stakes winner and standout son of Im a Fancy Pyc out of Lil Miss Eye Opener by Mr Eye Opener. Bred in Oklahoma by his trainer, Rhonda Valdivia, the colt has compiled an impressive résumé. His victories include the 2024 (G3) Easy Jet Stakes, (G3) Speedhorse Futurity, (G2) Mighty Deck Three Stakes, and (G3) Mr Master Bug Stakes. He also finished a close fourth in a blanket finish in the Speedhorse Derby, boosting his earnings to $261,110 for owners Shania Cox and Terry Dale Cox. With regular rider Bryan Candanosa aboard, he will contest the fourth race from post six.

A strong challenger is Razor Hawk Cartel, a gelding by Corona Cartel out of And Poof Shes Gone by Stoli, bred in Arkansas by Belinda Shaw. Owned by Angelica Brizuela, who purchased him for $35,000 at Heritage Place, Razor Hawk Cartel has matured into his derby season with back-to-back runner-up finishes in the Speedhorse Derby and Gillespie County Fair Derby. With career earnings of $81,678, he will compete in race three under jockey Juan Pulido for trainer Heber Deyta-Melendez.

The top ten qualifiers will advance to the $30,000-added AQHA Derby Challenge Final on September 28.

John Deere Juvenile Challenge Trials

The second half of the card belongs to the juveniles, where thirty-five two-year-olds will look to secure a spot in the $30,000-added John Deere Juvenile Challenge Final.

The morning line favorite in the opening trial is I Are a Cowgirl (8-5), a filly who has already proven her class. By Flying Cowboy 123 out of Black Veil by Favorite Cartel, she was bred in Missouri by Barley and Sharp Farm. Trained by Josue Jacob Garcia for owner Brant Barley, I Are a Cowgirl has two trial wins to her credit and finished third in the $177,000 (G3) Speedhorse Futurity, boosting her bankroll to $35,773. She will start from post six with Juan Pulido in the saddle.

Another top contender in the first trial is Parajax, a colt by Dulce Sin Tacha out of Rusty Rose II by Pyc Paint Your Wagon, bred in Oklahoma by Corner K Quarter Horses, LLC. Purchased for $27,000 at Heritage Place by owner Edder Montes, Parajax broke his maiden at first asking and has since added two third-place finishes, earning $12,142. Trained by Rhonda Levon Valdivia, he will start from the outside post under jockey Javier Hernandez-Gallardo.

With established names and emerging talent, Tuesday’s trials promise a competitive showcase as horses vie for a coveted spot in the September 28 finals.

The Will Rogers Downs can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

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