Jess Thru A Cartel, ridden by Luis Martinez, wins his trial to the $80,000-estimated AQRA Turf Paradise Open Quarter Horse Futurity by 3/4-length on Monday.

© Coady Media

PHOENIX, AZ–NOVEMBER 18, 2024–Twenty-nine juveniles competed in four trials races at Turf Paradise on Monday afternoon for a chance to win a spot in the finals of the $80,000-estimated AQRA Turf Paradise Open Quarter Horse Futurity on December 9th, 2024.

Trainer David Gomez-Barraza named jockey Luis Martinez to ride for his stable. The team qualified three two-year-olds to return to the finals next month, including the top two fastest runners, Jess Thru A Cartel and Apollitical Iceman.

Jess Thru A Cartel won the first trial by 3/4-lengths over Everleigth Raes Girl and jockey Mark Jasso. The son of Corona Cartel set the time to beat in 17.735 seconds with a 91 speed index. The slight upset paid $13.20 to win on 5-1 odds.

After breaking his maiden in August at the Downs at Albuquerque, Jess Thru a Cartel has improved his record to two wins from seven starts.  The trial victory earned him $4.800, which boosted his bankroll to $21,980.

Gary and Linda Gordon bred Jess Thru A Cartel in Texas out of the Walk Thru Fire mare Jess Walking Thru. The $60,000 Ruidoso Select Sale graduate is owned by Jimmy Vasquez, Scott Branson and Lionel Carrasco Onsurez.

After a bumped start in trial two, Apollitical Iceman picked it up and took lead at first call, winning the 350-yard trip by 3/4-length over Willies Last Dash. The son of Apollitical Dash clocked a 17.768, equalling a 90 speed index for the second fastest qualifying time. The post-time favorite’s victory paid $5.60 to win on 8-5 odds.

The son of leading sire Apollitical Jess has two wins from eight starts and placed second in the La Fiesta Futurity [G3] last month at the Downs at Albuquerque. Apollitical Iceman has earned $89,981 for his efforts.

Owner Rancho La Aventura, LLC, purchased Apollitical Iceman from his breeder, Dunn Ranch, for $110,000 in the Heritage Place Yearling Sale last year. He is out of Tes Sea by Tres Seis.

CLICK HERE for complete details on the $80,000-estimated AQRA Turf Paradise Open Quarter Horse Futurity trials, including horse, sex, sire, dam, dam sire, owner, breeder, trainer, and jockey.

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