Page 192 - December_2023

RACING NEWS
FLASH BAK
by Michael Compton
Valeriano Racing Stables’ Flash Bak made history in the Champion of Champions-G1 at Los Alamitos on Dec. 9. The accomplished 5-year-old gelding registered a convincing victory in the $750,000 event at 440 yards, becoming the first Quarter Horse in the history of the Champion of Champions to win the prestigious test after having previously finished second in the race. Flash Bak also became the first winner of the Champion of Champions to break from post position No. 1 since AQHA Racing World Champion Last To Fire won the 2013 renewal after breaking from the inside.
With jockey Francisco Calderon in the irons, Flash Bak fled the rail in fine order after the start of the 51st running of the Champion of Champions but still found himself in ninth position early. He did not remain at the back of the pack for long. He darted into contention and dueled for a short time with early leader Apollitical Pence before clearing off by a half- length over long shot Take A Swig Of This
Flash Bak and Francisco Calderon cross the finish line winning the Champion Of Champions-G1 at Los Alamitos on December 9, 2023.
190 SPEEDHORSE December 2023
Champion of Champions-G1
Los Alamitos
$750,000 • 440 yards :21.578 • SI 98
FLASH BAK, ‘18-g.
Bred by: Jim Streelman & Bill Dale
Raced to 5 $1,820,157 29-11(5)-8(5)-4(4)
MOONIN THE EAGLE
SI 111
Bred by: Vessels Stallion Farm LLC Raced to 4 • $548,985 14-7(4)-2(2)-1
487 f., 11 SW • $5,782,204
ONE FAMOUS EAGLE SI 101 Bred by: Johnny Trotter Raced to 3 • $1,387,453 11-7(3)-0-2
1,320 f., 87 SW • $38,209,187
YOUR FIRST MOON SI 96
Bred by: Vessels Stallion Farm LLC Raced to 4 • $750,726 19-7(2)-2-2(2)
19 f., 4 SW • $2,303,167
CHECKNBAC
SI 98
Bred by: J. Francisco Diaz Raced to 3 • $216,410 13-7(2)-1-1(1)
13 f., 3 SW • $2,946,075
CHECK HIM OUT SI 98 Bred by: Zory Kuzyk Raced to 3 • $418,528 18-9(3)-1-3(1)
603 f., 18 SW • $8,530,311
RUNNING BAC SI 101
Bred by: Kevin V. Glasmann Raced to 5 • $111,037 21-10(4)-0-2(1)
29 f., 2 SW • $890,183
William Zuazo, Los Alamitos