On Monday, Vesper Martini, ridden by Roman Cruz, wins the $74,500 Pot O Gold Futurity [G1] at Will Rogers Downs.

CLAREMORE, OK–SEPTEMBER 30, 2024–Leading trainer Dee Keener gets the 1-2-3 in the $74,500 Pot O Gold Futurity [G1], with the fastest qualifier from the trials, Vesper Martini, holding on for the win on Monday at Will Rogers Downs. All three of the top finalists were sired by Painted Turnpike.

Ridden by Roman Cruz, Vesper Martini popped from the gates and was gone, winning the 350-yard stakes from gate to wire by a neck over Pfr Road Rage and jockey Rolando Raudales. The post-time favorite clocked an 89 speed in 17.794 seconds, which paid $4.00 to win on 1-1 odds.

The $28,860 winner's share of the purse boosted Vesper Martini's earnings to top $100,000. The Oklahoma-bred filly has lit the board in eight of nine starts with five career wins; this was her first stakes victory. Earlier this year, she placed second in the Speedhorse P&A Futurity and Speedhorse P&A Futurity Championship.

The winning connections of Vesper Martini accept the $74,500 Pot O Gold Futurity [G1] trophy at Will Rogers Downs on Monday. © Coady Photography

Breeders J. Garvan Kelly and Lloyd Yother sold Vesper Martini for $11,000 in the 2023 Heritage Place Winter Mixed Sale. 918 Bloodstock owns the bay filly.

Runner-up Pfr Road Rage started to gain on the outside but was no match for the Vesper Martini. The three-time winner has earned $56,590 for owner-breeder Painted Faith Racing. She is out of the Dos Poruno mare Domestic Diva.

Third-place finisher Rf Livies Buckshot, ridden by Jesus Salazar, is also owned by 918 Bloodstock. Marvin and Pam Wilcox bred the sorrel colt in Oklahoma out of Rf Livies Special by Desiro. He has three wins with $26,591 in the bank.

Cowboy On The Fly, Wf Apolitical Bullet, Back Spin, Pt Kaileigh, Shadowing Pt, Knuckle Buster and Favorite Turnpike complete the order of finish.