Cowboy On The Fly, ridden by Gonzalo Gutierrez, wins the $42,030 Speedhorse Paint & Appaloosa Futurity Championship [G1] at Will Rogers Downs on Tuesday.

© Jack Coady Photography

CLAREMORE, OK–NOVEMBER 12, 2024–Cowboy On The Fly saved his best strides for last with a late boost at the wire to win the $42,030 Speedhorse Paint & Appaloosa Futurity Championship [G1] on Tuesday at Will Rogers Downs.

After a spin out at the gates, regular rider Gonzalo Gutierrez qualified Cowboy On The Fly to the finals with the fifth fastest time and a third-place finish to Chief Iron Eagle in the trials.

The winning connections of Cowboy On The Fly accept the $42,030 Speedhorse Paint & Appaloosa Futurity Championship [G1] trophy at Will Rogers Downs on Tuesday. © Jack Coady Photography

But today, the duo got a good start from the seven hole, gaining momentum down the 400-yard straightaway for a 1/2-length finish over Chief Iron Eagle and Rf Livies Buckshot. 

Assisted by a 20 mph tailwind, Cowboy On The Fly clocked a 94 speed index in 19.937 seconds, and the effort paid $12.60 to win.

Chief Iron Eagle, ridden by Mario Delgado, was outkicked at the wire for second. The fastest qualifier from the trials and heavy favorite Rf Livies Buckshot fought for a game under, trailing by 3/4-length, under the guidance of Jesus Salazar.

The son of Flying Cowboy 123 earned $15,972 for the win, boosting his bankroll to $82,091 from 11 starts. Cowboy On The Fly has lit the board eight times with four career wins.

Cowboy On The Fly has won two out of the three stakes races in the Speedhorse Triple Crown series. He claimed victory in the second leg, the Speedhorse Paint & Appaloosa Futurity [G1], at Fair Meadows in July. Today, he triumphed in the third leg of the series. Although he was a finalist in the first leg, the Speedhorse Graham P&A Futurity [G1] at Remington Park, he would have received the Triple Crown trophy had he won that race.

Trull Russell bred and owns Cowboy On The Fly in Oklahoma. The Kasey Willis trained gelding is out of I Like It Alota by Lota Pyc.

Trainer Luis Villafranco saddled runner-up Chief Iron Eagle for owner-breeder Jose Vicente Robles Silva. The Appaloosa son of Gray Chief has a record of 3-4-1 from nine starts with $77,985 in the bank, including a victory in the Cricket Bar Futurity. He is out of the Feature Mr Jess mare Feature Lauren.

Leading trainer Dee Keener conditioned Rf Livies Buckshot for owner 918 Bloodstock. The son of Painted Turnpike has four wins from ten starts and $41,701 in earnings, including the Speedhorse P&A Juvenile [G1]. Marvin and Pam Wilcox bred him in Oklahoma out of Rf Livies Special by Desirio.

Rebecca Jean, Mh Cold Nights, Back Spin, Jessa Chick, Captain Fancy, It Takes A Village and Wf Apolitical Bullet complete the order of finish.

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

Do you want more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.