Page 157 - December 2017

Texas Classic Derby-G1
APOLLTICAL CHAD
by Michael Compton
Attention trainers with entrants in future renewals of the Texas Classic Derby-G1: Get G. R. Carter to ride your horse. Carter, the all-time winningest rider in Quarter Horse rac- ing, rode Apolltical Chad to a narrow victory in this year’s 440-yard test at Lone Star Park.
Apollitical Chad was out of the gates on top and dueled with Graceful
Eagle through the lane. In a
game effort, Apolltical Chad
scored wire-to-wire by a neck, stopping the timer in :21.525 for a 95 speed index.
“I’m glad I came out of retirement because I’ve won this race two years in a row now,” said Carter.
Wesley Giles saddled Apolltical Chad for owner Nueve Racing. The sorrel geld- ing was coming off a rest after an Aug. 20 win, returning to win his trial on Oct. 20.
Southwest Juvenile Championship-G1
Lone Star Park $384,355 • 440 yards :21.525 • si 95
Mr Jess Perry
Apollitical Jess
Apollitical Time
Apolltical Chad, ‘14-g.
Shazoom
Fast Prize Tracy
Fast First Prize
“We’ve had a lot of problems with him eating,” related Giles. “I think the layoff and the rest helped. He just started eating and put on about 70 pounds. If he’s not going to do
it now, he’s not going to get it done. He’s an exceptional horse.”
The Texas Classic Derby is the second Grade 1 win for Apollitical
Chad, who annexed the Ruidoso Futurity last year. He now has a record of 12-6(2)-2-1 and a bankroll of $874,665.
“The horse looked phe- nomenal,” said Carter. “Wes left him here between the trials and he put on a little weight and really blossomed. He left the gate really well. Graceful Eagle was right there with me, but we made a nice little run to get away. He made me look real good.”
Bred by Weetona Stanley and W.E. Smith, Apolltical Chad is out of the 2-time winner and stakes-placed Fast Prize Tracy and is a half- brother to stakes winners She Eat Fire and Spit Curl Trey. Apolltical Chad is her top earner.
Graceful Eagle (One Famous Eagle- Duplicate Check) was second under Manuel Gutierrez for owner Florentino Leon and trainer Eusevio Huitron. Percyjones (Jesse James Jr-Maggies Miracle) and Edwin Lujan finished third for owners Terry & Irene Stennett and trainer Trey Wood. Followed by Political Mess (Apollitical Jess-Jenuine Joy), Tac My Time (Tac It Like A Man-Timer Opener), Duponte (American Runaway-Havanah Goodtime), Corona Carmelita (Corona Cartel-The Creole Queen), Dash Quick Perry (Down N Dash- Quickid Perry) & High Plains Perry (Mr Jess Perry-Sky Chicks). Paint My Pilot scratched.
APOLLITICAL BROOKE
by Danny Camp
Ruben Leyba Jr. took over the training duties of Apollitical Brooke mid summer. Since then, the filly has won four out of five outs with
her latest in the $200,000 Southwest Juvenile Championship-G1 at Zia Park on Dec. 3.
Apollitical Brooke was in the 9-post and didn’t seem to get hold of the ground on the first jump, giving the field a chance. Midway she started to drift out a bit, but showing grit and determination under
Irving Delgado-Bustillos,
they finished a head in front.
The timer showed :21.866
to earn a 90 speed index.
The $94,080 winner’s share
increased her total earnings
to $132,361.
Her race record is now 8-4(1)-0-1 with a 5th in the Hobbs America Futurity-G1. Apollitical Brooke is owned by Samantha and Lilly Leyba. The filly was bred in
Texas by Randy & Sandy Coleman out of winner Runaway Brooke. Apollitical Brooke is her first starter from three foals.
“This filly has been off for two months,” said trainer Ruben Leyba. “We knew she was fresh and sound, so we were very optimistic about our chances. She has always been nice and kind to be around. Our three-year-old daughter likes to pet on her. She is calm in the
paddock and a person would get the idea she is not ready to run, but when the gates open, it’s game on. She has
a big heart and will give you everything she’s got.” Ruben added, “The championship at Sunland might be in her future.”
Believe Me Irene (Valiant Hero-Financial Leverage) broke sharply and had the lead for a few jumps. She was able to hang on for second
place. Her team includes owner Diamond Racing Stables and trainer Jose Muela. Jose Enriquez was handling the reins.
Swankee (Mighty B Valiant-Snazzy Be Kas) ran a steady and even race to collect the third place check. He is owned and trained by Jesus Carrete. Veteran Ricky Ramirez was in the saddle.
Suenos Dineros (Bodaciouus Dash-Tres Suenos) finished fourth and Strykr Force (No Secrets Here-Fly Thru Time) was fifth. A Passion For Flashn (First Moonflash-Subtly Sixy) finished sixth in a dead heat with Bad Neighbor (Country Chicks Man-The Kooch) and was followed by Desire Astoli (Desirio- Stoli Victory), Estrella Damm (FDD Dynasty-Lawanda Fay) and Carris Cartel (The Louisiana Cartel-Shesa Wicked Gypsy). Pops and Siximoons were scratched.
Zia Park $200,000 •440 yards :21.866 • si 90
Mr Jess Perry
Apollitical Jess
Apolitical Time
APOLLITICAL BROOKE, ’15-f.
Brookstone Bay
Runaway Brooke
Runaway Dee Dee
SPEEDHORSE, December 2017 155
RACING NEWS
Coady Photography Dustin Orona Photography