Page 160 - Speedhorse November 2019

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Adequan Derby Challenge Championship-G3
VALIANT TIBERIAS
By Michael Compton
Valiant Tiberias bounced back from a rough outing in the $1,550,900 All American Derby-G1 at Ruidoso Downs on Sept. 1 and went on to crush nine rivals in the $154,750 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship-G3 at Albuquerque Downs on Oct. 26.
After crossing the finish in third in the All American Derby, Valiant Tiberias
was disqualified and placed 8th after drifting out and bumping foes. Much to the delight of his connections, the 3-year-old gelded son of Valiant Hero returned in fine form for the Adequan Derby Challenge Championship.
With James Flores riding for trainer Ricardo Armendariz, Valiant Tiberias wasted little
time getting down to business. Breaking from the far outside, he shot to the lead and widened his advantage at every call. Once again, he drifted a bit in the lane but was well clear of the field and won by 1 1/2-lengths in a powerful effort. Sent off as the even-money favorite, Valiant Tiberias
stopped the timer in a brisk :19.387, earning a 97 speed index. His final time was just ticks off Astica’s track record of :18.912 set in 2015.
Valiant Tiberias has
now won five of 10 outings, including two stakes. He is five of seven this season and the $71,185 winner’s share of the purse padded his bankroll to $200,244 for owners Sergio Holguin, Clifton Nielsen, and Felix Rodriguez.
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: Valiant Tiberias wins the Adequan Derby Challenge Championship.
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Downs At Albuquerque $154,750 • 400 yards :19.387 • si 97
First Down Dash
Valiant Hero
Corona Chick
VALIANT TIBERIAS, ’16-g.
Feature Mr Jess
American Feature
Allamericandreamgirl
ockey James Flores with trainer Rick Armendariz.
158 SPEEDHORSE, November 2019
Coady Photography