RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—AUGUST 15, 2020—On a day that celebrated the versatility of the American Quarter Horse, Bad Monkey, Luchador (see related story), and Lynnder 16 (see related story) all won their AQHA Challenge races today at Ruidoso Downs Race Track.

The wins qualify each of them to compete in the 2020 Bank of America Challenge Championships currently scheduled to be held October 24th at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Bad Monkey, under jockey Benito Baca, held off Isa Super Freak to win the Grade 3 $88,544 John Deere Juvenile Challenge Saturday afternoon at Ruidoso Downs.

The win also earned the son of multiple stakes sire Capo de Capi a starting spot in the $125,000 John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship (G2) October 24th during the Bank of America Challenge Championship Night at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Bad Monkey bumped at the break but drove the 350 yards in :17.755 seconds, to defeat Isa Super Freak by a neck. It was the second win four starts for the gray gelding who used the $41,616 winners' purse to increase his earnings total to $57,658.

"We got outbroke at the start, but I remained confident that we could pick those horses up," said jockey Baca. "This horse keeps improving every time, and I’m especially impressed with his talent as a young horse. Bad Monkey has a tremendous future ahead of him."

Owned-bred and trained by Dean Frey, Bad Monkey is out of the Mr Eye Opener mare Girls Eye Too. Two races back the California-bred finished second in the MQHRA Stallion Auction Futurity at Canterbury Park.

Debra Gotovac's Texas homebred Isa Super Freak earned $17,709 for his runner-up effort. Bradley Bolen conditions the colt by first-crop sire Ivan James from the Jet Black Patriot mare Isa Precious Patriot. Still winless in six starts this season, Isa Super Freak has finished second four times including a trial for the Ruidoso Futurity(G1). He has earned $22,147 this season.

Jess The Lady, a daughter of leading sire Valiant Hero, was half-a-length back to earn $8,854 for third. Harvey Baeza saddled the Oklahoma homebred for owner-breeder Bob McClure. Out of the Feature Mr Jess mare Jess Ballin The Jack, Jess The Lady has placed in four of five starts this season. She was second in the Rillito Park Juvenle Challenge Stakes at Ruidoso on July 11th.

Lastraintoclarksvill, Jess Adamant, Grace Of Monaco, Graceful Paradise, Ronnies Return and Empire Of Grace completed the field. Fastest qualifier Peves Jackpot Jack was scratched by his trainer.

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Racing continues on Sunday with the finals of the $134,667 Rio Grande Senor Futurity and the $133,828 Rio Grande Senorita Futurity.

Post time is 1:00 PM. At this time, the Turf Club and the Jockey Club are limited to 50% capacity due to the Public Health Order from the State of New Mexico.

For more information on how to watch online, place your bet with your favorite online wagering provider, or conduct drive-thru wagering, please visit RaceRuidoso.com.