Firecracker Futurity winner Secretarysbestcard won the $50,952 John Deere Emerald Downs Juvenile Challenge by a nose on Sunday at Emerald Downs.

© Vince & Linda Williams

AUBURN, WA–AUGUST 18, 2024–Fastest qualifier Secretarysbestcard held off a late charge from Mr Royal Cartel to win the $50,952 John Deere Emerald Downs Juvenile Challenge by a nose on Sunday at Emerald Downs.

Jockey Jose Guerrero rode Secretarysbestcard to her fourth consecutive win. Two races back, she won the Firecracker Futurity at Grants Pass Downs.

The 2-year-old daughter of multiple stakes sire Docs Best Card completed the 350 yards in 18.310, equaling an 80-speed index with a 2 mph tailwind.

Trainer-breeder Jose Baca conditions the Oregon-bred filly for JBC Stables. She is out of Chicks Wildcat by Returning (TB). The $23,440 Juvenile winners' purse increased the filly's earnings to $61,300 after six career starts.

Secretarysbestcard also received an invite to the $140,000-est John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship(G2) on Bank of America Racing Challenge Championship Night, October 26, at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Making his fourth career start, the lightly raced Mr Royal Cartel earned $10,191 for his second-place effort. Hector Magallanes trains the son of The Cartel Hawk for owner-breeder Ismael Villarreal.  Jaime Lopez rode the gelding out of Miss Royal Rumbel by Royal Shake Em.

Also, starting for his fourth time, Eyez On Corona finished a half-length back to earn $5,095 for third. Alberto Renteria owns The Cartel Hawk gelding out of Angel Eyez by FDD Dynasty. Trained by Hector Magallanes and bred by Ruben Magallanes, Eyes On Corona was fourth in the Firecracker Futurity at Grants Pass two races back. He has earned.

The Great One, Mighty Panama T, Ccr Political Wrap, Red Rain, Dash Panama T, Soy Catalina, and Dash For Zaylee completed the field.

Editor's note: A photo of this race will be posted when it becomes available from the track photographer.