Monicas Favorite, under jockey Jesus Canales, winning the $111,994 Bitterroot Futurity (RG3) on Friday's card at Pocatello Downs.

© Kira Crook

POCATELLO, ID – JULY 29, 2022 – In the premier futurity of the meet at Pocatello, Monicas Favorite broke on top and pulled away at the wire to win the $111,994 Bitterroot Futurity (RG3) on Friday night.

Monicas Favorite ($14.40), with Jesus Canales in the irons, finished three-quarters of a length ahead of Normandy in the 350-yard final. With a time of :17.624, Monicas Favorite earned a 97 speed index.

The Favorite Cartel filly is trained by Sergio Canales for owners and breeders Steve Berry and Jason Berry. She was bred in Utah out of Santa Monica Mv, by Corona Cartel.

The winning connections of Monicas Favorite accept the Bitterroot Futurity stakes trophy and blanket. © Kira Crook

Monicas Favorite broke her maiden in her debut, a trial for the South Valley Futurity at Laurel Brown. She returned to finish second in her Bitterroot trial as the fourth fastest qualifier from five trials on July 15.

Including the winner’s share of $44,797, she has now earned $50,874 in three career starts.

Fastest qualifier Normandy surged home late and finished second as the post-time favorite under jockey Jose Figueroa.

Normandy was two for two lifetime heading into the gate; he debuted in a maiden race at Pocatello and won his trial to the Bitterroot by a neck. In three starts, he has earned $24,439.

The son of A Revenant is trained by Weston Smith for owner Ronnie Keller. He was bred in Oklahoma by Gary Vaughan, out of the graded stakes placed mare Ms Casholene, by Agouti, and sold for $26,000 at the 2021 Heritage Place Sale.

Special Gift finished in third place as the tenth fastest qualifier to the final.  Oscar Villa was aboard the Seperate Interest filly for trainer Ramiro Fregoso.

Edward McNelis and Von Zae McNelis own and bred the filly in Idaho, out of Awesome Gift, by Fire and Corona.

Prior to her Bitterroot trial, Special Gift was the runner up in the Denny Weigt Overnight Futurity at Jerome. She has earned $12,000 in three starts.

Completing the field were Tellin Wagon Tales, One Famous Rock, I Am Bolt, Shezabear, Whooz Ya Daddy, Easy Earl and Doctor Blake.