La Panama West, piloted by Manuel Garcia, wins the $40,000 Mark T Bars Stakes at Turf Paradise on Thursday.

By Leann Noguera/StallioneSearch

PHOENIX, AZ–APRIL 24, 2025–After a close finish at the wire, La Panama West gets his first stakes victory since winning the Double JK Ranch Stakes in 2022 on Thursday in the $40,000 Mark T Bars Stakes at Turf Paradise.

Trainer Ely Mendoza saddled La Panama West for owner-breeder Robert Baeza. The six-year-old mare won the 350-yard stakes race under jockey Manuel Garcia in 17.651 seconds against a seven mph headwind, clocking a 93 speed index. The upset paid $8.00 to win on 3-1 odds.

Jess Mr Mayito, ridden by Jesus Osuna, placed second a neck behind La Panama West and Heartache Tonite, with Luis Valenzuela in the irons, caught third by a nose.

The winning connections of La Panama West accept the $40,000 Mark T Bars Stakes trophy at Turf Paradise on Thursday. © Coady Media

La Panama West has lit the board 13 of 22 starts with six wins and the $23,600 winner’s share of today’s purse, which ups her earnings to $94,893. The daughter of Panama Wes was bred in Arizona out of Jm The Dance by Furrtreeous.

La Panama West has two stakes victories in her arsenal with four other black type earnings, including a second-place finish in the Mark T Bars Stakes in 2023.

Trainer Jorge Duarte Noriega saddled runner-up Jess Mr Mayito for owner-breeder Maclovio Regalado. The three-year-old son of Perrys Stamina has a record of 2-2-1 from ten starts with $44,263 in the bank. He is out of Steletta by Stoli.

Ralph and Carrie Fales bred and own third-place finisher Heartache Tonite. The six-year-old son of Texas Icon has a record of 7-5-4 from 22 starts with $131,434 in the bank. Matt Fales saddled the sorrel gelding out of Heart An Soul by Good Reason SA.

Av Hesadashair, Whiskey Talkin, Wicked Cowgirl Smart, Mr Icon, Rebs Regalo, Triple D Governor, and Looke N At Daddy complete the field.

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