ALTOONA, IA—JULY 30, 2021—Coming off a third-place effort in the Cyclone Derby on July 10th, A Starry Starry Nite rolled to a 1-¼ length win at Prairie Meadows Friday night while setting the fastest time for the Iowa Stallion Derby.

The 10 fastest qualifiers, from two trial races held on Friday's race card, will return to the Iowa racetrack on Saturday, August 14th to vie for the winner's share of a $64,510 purse going 400 yards.

Under jockey Eugenio Navarrete, Jr., A Starry Starry Nite was clearly the best while stopping the timer in :19.976 seconds, equaling a 91 speed index into a 5 mph crosswind. It was the third win in six starts for the stakes-placed son of second-crop sire Racy Casanova.

Trainer Ed Hardy saddled the Iowa-bred gelding for owner Christine A. Hovey. Bred by Thomas Lepic, from the First Down Dash mare Unveil, A Starry Starry Nite was also fourth in the Iowa Stallion Futurity last season. He has earned $31,012.

The top four qualifiers came out of the closing trial including second fastest qualifier Iris Cowboy Casanova, also a son of Racy Casanova. Ridden by jockey Uriel Cervantes, the Alex Wessels trained stopped the timer in :20.219 seconds to secure the second fastest time.

Racing for owner B/B/ Wessels LLC, Iris Cowboy Casanova is our of the Pure D Dash mare Pure Royal Dash. He has earned $13,725 in six starts.

Mr Kool Rancherita, a daughter of multiple stakes sire Lil Kool Wagon, won the opening trial, into a 10 mph crosswind by 1-¼ lengths to second the fifth fastest time of :20.407 seconds. Stacy Belt trains the Iowa homebred for owner-breeder Humberto Rivera.

Oscar Delgado had the riding call aboard the two-time winner from the Rare King mare Pistolpaknprincess. She has earned $19,761 and was fifth in the Cyclone Derby in her last start.

Lil Kool Wagon led all sires with six finalist and Racy Casanova sired three.

For a complete list of Iowa Stallion Derby qualifiers with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys CLICK HERE.

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 $1.9 billion to the state of Iowa. Prairie Meadows offers nearly 1,100 slot machines, table games, live and simulcast racing, sports wagering, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.