Cartel Can Fly enters as the 3-1 morning-line favorite in the AQHA 870 Challenge Stakes after an outstanding start to his 2026 campaign.

© Jack Coady Photography

By Louanne Wainscott, StallioneSearch

EVANSTON, WY–JULY 17, 2026–Saturday afternoon at Wyoming Downs will feature a 10-race card beginning at 1:05 p.m., highlighted by the $58,999 AQHA 870 Challenge Stakes and the $120,200 Gary Waite Maiden Stakes. The afternoon's distance feature offers more than a lucrative purse, as the winner will secure a berth in the AQHA Distance Challenge Championship at Albuquerque Downs on October 17.

The AQHA 870 Challenge Stakes is scheduled as race four at approximately 2:20 p.m. The field of seven three-year-olds and older returns from the July 2 trial heats to compete over the demanding 870-yard distance around the turn, with several in-form runners aiming to punch their ticket to the national championship.

Cartel Can Fly enters as the 3-1 morning-line favorite after an outstanding start to his 2026 campaign. The five-year-old gelding earned his place in the final with a front-running 1¼-length victory in his trial, posting the second-fastest qualifying time. The performance extended his unbeaten streak to three consecutive victories, including a win in the United Tote Hook Overnight Stakes. He has captured five races in his career, earning $42,521.

Owned by David L. Wisdom, the North Dakota-bred gelding is a son of Favorite Cartel, out of the Foose mare Babe Can Fly. Robert Don Johnson trains the talented runner, who will break from post four with Dakota Wood aboard.

Marfason has been installed as the 7-2 second choice on the morning line after posting the fastest qualifying time in the trials. The five-year-old gelding took command entering the turn and drew away to a convincing 4¼-length victory. His consistent career record includes four wins, four runner-up finishes, and three third-place finishes, with earnings of $70,843 for owners Ross Brown and Elsha McGarry, who purchased him for just $9,000 at the Heritage Place Yearling Sale.

The Texas-bred son of The Marfa Lights is out of the Ivory James mare HR Excessive Ivory and was bred by Andy Knight. Marfason, trained by co-owner Ross Brown, will leave from post eight, the outside post, with David Alvarez Jr. in the saddle.

With a coveted berth in the AQHA Distance Challenge Championship on the line, Saturday's AQHA 870 Challenge Stakes promises an exciting test of speed and stamina. A competitive field of seasoned distance specialists will battle around the turn, aiming to secure both the prestigious stakes victory and the opportunity to compete on racing's national stage this fall at Albuquerque Downs.

Fans can also look forward to the featured $120,200 Gary Waite Maiden Stakes later in the program, rounding out an afternoon of outstanding Quarter Horse racing at Wyoming Downs. See related story preview.

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