Challenge


Cm Once Ina Bluemoon Punches Albuquerque Ticket In Track Record Performance
Cm Once Ina Bluemoon, under jockey Jose Figueroa, sets a new 870 yard Emerald Downs track record while winning the $26,554 AQHA Emerald Downs Distance Challenge Stakes on Thursday.

© Reed Palmer / Emerald Downs
Cm Once Ina Bluemoon Punches Albuquerque Ticket In Track Record Performance

AUBURN, WA—AUGUST 20, 2020— Cm Once Ina Bluemoon rolled over this foes Thursday afternoon at Emerald Downs with an impressive track record setting performance, defending his 2019 title in the $26,554 AQHA Emerald Downs Distance Challenge Stakes.

Not only did the 5-year-old son of multiple stakes sire Ivory James got his third consecutive win this season he also earns a starting spot in the $100,000-est. Grade 1 Cox Ranch Distance Challenge Championship to be contested on Bank of America Challenge Championship Night at The Downs at Albuquerque October 24th.

The winning connections of Cm Once Ina Bluemoon accept the Emerald Downs Distance Challenge stakes trophy.
© Reed Palmer / Emerald Downs
Cm Once Ina Bluemoon was bumped at the start but recovered nicely under Jose Figueroa to win by 3-¾ lengths, while completing the 870 yards in :45.423, establishing a new Emerald Downs track record and earning a103 speed index. The previous record of :45.785 seconds was set by Bleu Tarp on September 14, 2012.

Trainer Nick Lowe saddled the bay gelding to his 12th win in 32 starts for owner Chris Sutton. The $13,809 winners' purse boosted his bankroll to $92,380. Randy Dickerson bred Cm Once Ina Bluemoon in Oregon from the Jess Louisiana Blue mare Cool Blue Corona.

No match for the winner, runner-up Flyin Rocks earned $6,107 for finishing second. Jose Gomez trains the 6-year-odl son of Fly Chisholm Fly from the Rock Band (TB) mare Rock's El Dorado (TB). Gilberto Madrigal owns the Oregon-bred with Joree Scriver riding. Don Young bred the $35,921 earner.

Multiple stakes-placed Heza Gamer finished three-lengths back to pick up $3,054 for third. Scott Raley conditions the 6-year-old Game Plan gelding for owner Connie Chumbley. Gary Chumbley bred Heza Gamer in Oregon from the Splash Bac mare Sneak Bac. He has earned $26,076.

Hes A Bugin and Jess B 613 completed the field.