Russel(right) was named winner of the $135,620 Cherry Creek Futurity on Sunday at Arapahoe Park after Paramounte Wagon Jr (left) was disqualified and placed last.

© Coady Media

AURORA, CO—NOVEMBER 17, 2024—Russel, a 3-year-old son of a leading third-crop sire Pyc Fun N Fancy, was declared the winner of the $135,620 Cherry Creek Futurity on Sunday at Arapahoe Park after Paramounte Wagon Jr was disqualified and placed last for impeding a foe.

The third fastest qualifier in the October 19 trials was Russel, who completed the 350-yard final in 18.091 seconds, a 90-speed index into a 10-mph crosswind. It was the Colorado-bred 2-year-old's second win in as many starts this season.

Trainer Chris Gandarilla named jockey Cordarelton Benn to ride the lightly raced 2-yar-old for owner Celenes's Racing LLC. Making only his second career start, Russel is now 2-for-2, and the winner's purse valued at $54,757 boosted his bankroll to $59,857.

The winning connections of Russel accept the Cherry Creek Futurity stakes trophy Sunday at Arapahoe Park.
© Coady Media

Bill and Marsha Drake bred Russel from the One Sweet Jess mare One Two.

Dynastys Gold Eagle finished 1-1/4 lengths back to earn $27,633 for second. Trainer Jose Nava Arjon named jockey Gonzalo Gutierrez to ride the son of world champion One Dashing Eagle for owner-breeder Alma Olivas. Out of the FDD Dynasty mare Denali Destiny, Dynastys Gold Eagle has earned $48,414 in seven starts.

Lota Hocks, owned and trained by Jose Nava Arjon, finished half-a-length back to earn $16,783 for third. Victor Cervantes bred the black son of Lota Pyc from the Kiss My Hocks mare Dance Down Diva Vc. Adrian Morales was aboard the $35,496 money earner.

The official order of finish was completed by Apolliticalbest Card, Chico Fabuloso, Lovin M Dashin M, Done Pepe C, and Paramounte Wagon Jr. Brown Xill, Littlebetzy, and My Purdy Baby were scratched.

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