Cash Back Hero Repeats In Covered Bridges Stakes

Cash Back Hero successfully defended his title in the $45,000 Covered Bridges Stakes (G3) on Saturday at Prairie Meadows, scoring his second consecutive victory in the 870-yard event.

Ridden by Angel Ramirez, Cash Back Hero broke from the rail and moved up to take command before drawing clear. The heavily favored gelding held firm through the stretch to win by one length in :45.571, earning a 99 speed index.

Edward Hardy trains the 4-year-old for owners Becky and Warren Johnson. Bred in Oklahoma by Flag Ranch LLC, Cash Back Hero is sired by Valiant Hero and out of the Furyofthewind mare Pops Zoomin Fury. He now has a record of 18-6-3-1 with earnings of $117,257.

Cash Back Hero also won the Covered Bridges Stakes (G3) last year. Earlier this season, he finished third in the Pauls Valley Stakes (G2) and fifth in the Remington Park Distance Championship (G1).

Rnc Cardshark Jones finished second under Ramiro Garcia for owners Jane and Jim Leatherberry and trainer Robert Johnson. After setting the early pace, the 8-year-old was headed by Cash Back Hero but continued gamely to the wire, stopping the clock in :45.712. Bred by David Strain, Rnc Cardshark Jones is sired by The Card Shark 229 and out of the Seneca Jones mare Dakota Jones. He now has a record of 38-16-9-6 with earnings of $164,411. A two-time winner of the Covered Bridges Stakes, he captured the race in both 2023 and 2024.

Cartel Can Fly rallied from the back of the field to finish third under Kody Kellenberger for owner and breeder David Wisdom and trainer Robert Johnson. The 5-year-old gelding made a three-wide stretch bid and finished another length back in :45.864. Sired by Favorite Cartel and out of the Foose mare Babe Can Fly, Cartel Can Fly now has a record of 15-5-1-5 with earnings of $53,838. He most recently finished third in the Wyoming Downs Distance Challenge and won the United Tote Hook Overnight Stakes earlier this season.

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.

Pj Dynasty finished fourth, followed by P Fifty One, Kool Man Kenny and Euro Special Lady.