Jr, Sakes Alive, under jockey Jesus Valenzuela, won the $21,050 Energy Downs AQHA Bonus Challenge Stakes on Saturday.

© Jack Coady

GILLETTE, WY—JUNE 22, 2024—Starting off a runner-up effort in the Weber Downs Fillies Derby in her last start on May 19, Jr Sakes Alive ran off to a 1-3/4 length win in the $21,050 Energy Downs AQHA Bonus Challenge Stakes on Saturday at Energy Downs.

Ridden by jockey Jesus Valenzuela, Jr, Sakes Alive completed the 330 yards in 16.990 seconds over a muddy racing surface, equaling an 85-speed index into a 5 mph crosswind.

It was the fifth career win in 11 starts for the daughter of multiple stakes sire Pappasito. The $10,315 winner's purse boosted her bankroll to nearly $55,000.

Kylie Valenzuela conditions the Nevada-bred filly for owner CG Racing LLC. J R Stables bred Jr Sakes Alive from the One Famous Eagle mare Jr Mahalia. A multiple stakes finalist last season, the 3-year-old filly won two of three starts this season, including getting her first career stakes victory.

Runner-up Risin Cowboy put in a big effort off the inside rail to finish second under jockey Juan Rivas. Robert Don Johnson saddled the Flying Cowboy 123 colt for owner Jack Greer. Mark Rigby, DVM, bred the colt in Wyoming from the Jesse James Jr mare Slr Jessies Girl. He earned $4,421 for the effort.

Multiple stakes-placed Moon Em N Dash finished three quarters back to earn $2,210 for third. Trainer Jess Matt named jockey Noe Garcia to ride the Brindis Por Cayenne gelding for owners James Ferguson and Stephanie Ferguson. Walter Larson bred Moon Em N Dash in Wyoming from the Apollo (TB) mare Dashmetothemoon.

Live racing continues Sunday (June 23) at Energy Downs 307 Racing with a 1:30 (MDT) first post. The $100,000 Silks & Spurs Maturity and $31,750 Liz Byrd Stakes will head the 10-race card.