Jockey Roman Cruz rode Red Iron to the fastest qualifying time from three trials for the $30,000-added John Deere Will Rogers Juvenile Challenge today.

© Coady Photography

CLAREMORE, OK–SEPTEMBER 10, 2024–Grade 3 finalist Red Iron got her third career win on Tuesday while posting the fastest qualifying time for the John Deere Will Rogers Juvenile Challenge at Will Rogers Downs

The 10 fastest qualifiers from the three trial races contested today will return on Sunday, September 29, to compete for the winner's share of a $30,000-added purse at 350 yards.

The winner will also be invited 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.

Jockey Roman Cruz rode Red Iron to a two-length win in the trials while posting the fastest qualifying mark of 17.687 seconds, a 92-speed index with a 7 mph tailwind.

Trainer Dee Keener conditions Red Iron for owner Curt Crossland. Bobby D. Cox bred the daughter of Flying Cowboy 123 from the First Down Dash mare First To Celebrate. The Texas-bred was fourth in the Speedhorse Futurity(G2) in her last start and has earned $40,127 from five outs.

Multiple Grade 3 stakes winner Ima Fancy Eye Opener got his sixth win in seven starts while setting the second-fastest time under jockey Jesus Salazar. The son of multiple stakes sire Im A Fancy Pyc clocked 17.762 seconds, a 92-speed index with a 7 mph tailwind in the last trial.

Rhonda Valdivia trains the Speedhorse Futurity(G3) and Easy Jets Stakes(G3) winner for owners Shania and Terry Dale Cox. Bred in Oklahoma by Rhonda, from the Mr Eye Opener mare Lil Miss Eye Opener, Fancy Eye Opener has banked $155,559 in seven career starts.

CLICK HERE for the John Deere Will Rogers Juvenile Challenge qualifiers list with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys.