Anna Belle, under jockey Ramiro Garcia, posted the fastest qualifying time for the John Deere Prairie Meadows Juvenile Challenge today at Prairie Meadows.

© Coady Photography

ALTOONA, IA—JULY 29, 2024—Restricted Grade 3 winner Anna Belle raced to her third career win today while posting the fastest time for the John Deere Prairie Meadows Juvenile Challenge at Prairie Meadows.

The 10 fastest qualifiers from three trial races contested today will return to Prairie Meadows on Sunday, August 18, to vie for the winner's share of a $72,182 purse going a distance of 350 yards.

Also at stake will be an invite for the Prairie Meadows Juvenile winner to participate in the $125,000-est. John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship(G2) at the Downs at Albuquerque during the AQHA Challenge Championship Night, October 26.

Anna Belle quickly took the lead under jockey Ramiro Garcia before clearing the field to win the second trial by three-quarters. The Oklahoma-bred daughter of leading first-crop sire Uncle D completed her task in 17.617 seconds, a 92-speed index, to set the top qualifying mark.

Leading trainer Jason Olmstead saddled seven Juvenile Challenge qualifiers today, including the three fastest. He conditions Anna Belle, a $22,000 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale graduate, for owners Tom and Lou Ann Smith.

Bollenbach Farms LP bred the Fl Lady Bug Stakes(RG3) winner from the One Famous Eagle mare Machelene.  Also third in the Prairie Meadows Gold Futurity in her last start, Anna Belle earned $83,311 in six starts.

Isle B Bac, a $35,000 Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale graduate, won the last trial by half-a-length while posting the second fastest time of 17.655, a 91-speed index. Olmstead named jockey Armando Alvidrez to ride the Moonin The Eagle filly for owners Gene and Faye Reeves. Cox-Lane LLC bred the two-time winner in Texas from the Foose mare Bac In Front.

Prairie Meadows Gold Futurity finalist Valiant Candy Tree won the opening trial under Ramiro Garcia to get the third fastest clocking of 17.715 seconds, a 90-speed index.

Olmstead trains the $27,000 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale graduate for owner Tom Scheckel. PV Quarter Horse Farms LLC bred the Valiant Hero gelding in Oklahoma from the Oak Tree Special mare Send Me A Candy Tree. He has earned $34,489 in six starts.

CLICK HERE for the list of John Deere Prairie Meadows Juvenile Challenge finalists with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys.

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About Prairie Meadows
Prairie Meadows began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989 with the goal of promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa. Through taxes, grants, and charitable donations, Prairie Meadows has given $2.2 billion to the state of Iowa. Prairie Meadows offers slot machines, table games, live and simulcast racing, sports wagering, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.