Five Bar Phi, under jockey Angel Ramirez, posted the fastest qualifying time for the $65,600 Cyclone Derby at Prairie Meadows on Saturday.

© Coady Photography

ALTOONA, IA—JUNE 22, 2024—Five Bar Phi rolled to a 2-1/4 length win while setting the fastest qualifying time for the Cyclone Derby at Prairie Meadows Saturday evening.

The 10 fastest qualifiers, from two trials for accredited Iowa-bred 3-year-olds, will return on Saturday, July 7, to vie the winner's share of a $65,600 purse going 350 yards.

Under a confident ride by jockey Angel Ramirez, Five Bar Phi rolled over 350 yards in 17.461 seconds, equaling a 97-speed index. It was the second consecutive win and sixth career win from eight starts for the son of multiple stakes sire Five Bar Cartel.

Edward Ross Hardy saddled last year's Hawkeye Futurity winner for owner Christine Hovey. Cory Kilgore bred the $100,772 earner from the Feature Mr Jess mare Number One Chorreda. Five Bar Phi was also fourth in the Jim Bader Futurity last season.

Ramirez and Hardy also hooked up in the opening trial for neck win with Foxy Cowgirl. The daughter of leading second-crop sire Flying Cowboy 123 who won the Jim Bader Futurity last year clocked 17.594, a 93 speed index and second fastest trial time.

Paul Luedemann, Corey Wilmes, and Cole Morehead own the $105,281 earner out of Foxy Millie by Valiant Hero. The sorrel filly picked up her fourth win in six starts.  Christine Hovey is the breeder.

For the complete list of Cyclone Derby qualifiers, with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys, CLICK HERE.

Editor's note: A photo of this race will be posted with this article as soon as it is available from the track photographer.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

About Prairie Meadows
Prairie Meadows began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989 to promote economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa. Through taxes, grants, and charitable donations, Prairie Meadows has given the state of Iowa $2.2 billion. Prairie Meadows offers slot machines, table games, live and simulcast racing, sports wagering, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.