Ec Wagon, under jockey Alfredo Triana, Jr., winning the $97,360 Polk County Derby Saturday afternoon at Prairie Meadows.

© Coady Photography

ALTOONA, IA–SEPTEMBER 30, 2023–Iowa-bred stakes continued on closing day at Prairie Meadows with the $97,360 Polk County Derby and a convincing win by Ec Wagon.

Ec Wagon ($6.40) flew from the outside to win by nearly two lengths with Alfredo Triana, Jr. aboard. The final time of :19.870 for the 400-yard race gave the winner a 95 speed index.

The multiple stakes winner was the fifth fastest qualifier from two trials on September 11.

Ec Wagon is trained by Manny Campos for owner and breeder Ruben Mojica. The gelding is by Ec Jet One and is out of the Lil Kool Wagon mare Boogie Wagon.

Saturday’s race was the second stakes win of the meet for Ec Wagon, who is three for 11 lifetime and won the Cyclone Derby earlier this year. His career earnings total $108,927, including the winner’s purse share of $43,812, As a 2-year-old, he was second in the Hawkeye Futurity and fourth in the Jim Bader.

Fastest qualifier Dashin Davey Crocket placed second under jockey Angel Ramirez for trainer Alex Wessels and owner Kay Sage.

Prairie Meadows Racing secretary Chad Keller presents the winning connections of Ec Wagon the Polk County Derby stakes trophy. © Coady Photography

Dashin Davey Crocket was bred by David Spieker, by Lil Kool Wagon and out of Easy Sailin Kiss, by Dashin is Easy.

In his 2-year-old campaign, the gelding won the Hawkeye Futurity and was third in the Jim Bader. He is three for 10 lifetime with $89,131 in earnings.

Post-time favorite Racing the Rails was third. Jorge Torres had the call for trainer Tony Jones, who also co-owns the filly with Ricky Neff. She was the tenth fastest qualifier.

Racing the Rails was bred by Robert Brown, by Freighttrain B and out of One Famous Hawkeye, by One Famous Eagle.

Last year’s Jim Bader Futurity winner came back in 2023 to win two allowance races and ran second in the Cyclone Derby. She is five for 10 lifetime with earnings of $121,167.

Racing the Rails originally finished second in the Polk County Derby but was disqualified for interference and placed third.

Completing the field were Duke of Cartel, Joda Tempting Jet and Weedy Set Go. Dc Fusion, Jesstrong Corona, Lil Racy Blu and Perryfirstmoonflash were scratched.

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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 $2 billion to the state of Iowa. Prairie Meadows offers slot machines, table games, live and simulcast racing, sports wagering, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.

The 2023 Prairie Meadows 80-day meet in Altoona runs May 12 – September 30.