Wire Tap, under jockey Cody Smith, led from gate to wire to capture Saturday's $12,950 Ray Graves Memorial for Paints and Appaloosas at Fair Meadows.

© Jack Coady Photography

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

TULSA, OK–JUNE 27, 2026–Seasoned veteran Wire Tap redeemed himself after finishing third in last year's Ray Graves Memorial, returning Saturday evening to capture the $12,950 Ray Graves Memorial for Paints and Appaloosas (not black type) at Fair Meadows.

The Oklahoma-bred gelding led throughout the 350-yard test under Cody Rodger Smith, holding off Valiant Anthem by a half-length while stopping the clock in :17.956 for an 88 speed index into an 8 mph headwind. The victory was worth $7,500.

The winning connections of Wire Tap accept the Ray Graves Memorial Stakes trophy at Fair Meadows in Tulsa on Saturday. © Jack Coady Photography

Breaking from post three, Wire Tap showed early speed and never relinquished the advantage, digging in through the final yards to hold sway over the late-closing Valiant Anthem. Sent off as the 4-5 favorite, he returned $3.60 to win.

The winner came into the race off an allowance victory at Remington Park after finishing second in the Mister Lewie Memorial in his previous outing. He has now lit the board in 20 of 31 career starts with a record of 10 wins, eight seconds and two thirds while boosting his bankroll to $128,587.

Wire Tap is by leading Paint sire CRM Livewire. Bred in Oklahoma by Dan and Kaye Jones, he is out of Lindys Sign by Second Painted Sign. Matt Whitekiller trains the five-year-old gelding for owner Kaye Jones, with Cody Rodger Smith aboard for the victory.

Wire Tap is no stranger to the winner's circle. He has earned black-type status 18 times during his career, including five stakes victories. His accomplishments extend beyond the racetrack, as he collected four APHA championship titles in 2025 after winning the Mister Lewie Memorial (G1) and Olympia Joe Stakes (G1).

Valiant Anthem finished a determined second under Ruben Castro for trainer Jesus Ruben Ruiz and owners Sonja Berry and John M. McGraw. Berry also bred the Appaloosa son of Jess Being Valiant out of Waka Waka by Furrtreeous.

His runner-up finish added to an already consistent résumé that includes three wins, three seconds and five thirds from 19 starts with earnings of $44,636. Although he has visited the winner's circle multiple times, he is still seeking his first stakes victory. The four-year-old is now a five-time stakes finalist, with two runner-up finishes in stakes competition.

Nota Pocahontas finished another head back in third with Jaime Mata in the irons for trainer Juan Villa, who also owns him in partnership with Rudy Ikeler. Bred in Oklahoma by Jon and Brant Barley, the mare is by CRM Livewire and out of Sweet First Leader by Sweet First Down.

She owns a career record of four wins, two seconds and three thirds from 18 starts with earnings of $44,475. Nota Pocahontas is a five-time stakes finalist, including appearances in the Grade 1 Mister Lewie Memorial Stakes in both 2025 and 2026.

Storms Livewire finished fourth, followed by Queen For Cash.

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