Early Surprise, under jockey Cristian Esqueda, drives to victory in the $86,884 Oklahoma Horsemen's Mystery Derby Tuesday afternoon at Will Rogers Downs.

© Coady Photography

CLAREMORE, OK–NOVEMBER 15, 2022–At odds of 6-1 Early Surprise bounced off a second-place effort in the October 31 trials to easily win the $86,884 Oklahoma Horsemen's Mystery Derby Tuesday afternoon at Will Rogers Downs.

Strong late strides under jockey Cristian Esqueda propelled Early Surprise to a half-length win over Apollitical Payoff.  The daughter of 2022 All American Futurity(G1) sire Hes Relentless completed the 350 yards in :17.559 seconds, equaling a 99 speed index into a 10 mph crosswind.

Trainer Stacy Charette-Hill saddled the Oklahoma-bred filly to her second career win in seven starts for owner-breeders Michael and Gail Ahem. Bred from the Stoli mare Easy Downhill, Early Surprise was second in the Prairie Meadows Gold Derby last summer. She picked up $35,246 today to more than double her earnings total to $74,959.

Runner-up Apollitical Payoff showed early speed under jockey Edwin Escobedo but was outkicked in the end to earn $16,336 for second.  Trainer Jason Olmstead conditions last year's Black Gold 400 Lads Futurity winner for owner-breeder Brenda Reiswig.  The daughter of leading sire Apollitical Jess, from the Tres Seis mare Seis The Royal Cash, has bnaked $151,427 with four wins in 18 starts,

The winning connections of Early Surprise accept the Oklahoma Horsemen's Mystery Derby stakes trophy.
© Coady Photography

A head back, Candy Going Grand earned $10,724 for third. Clinton Crawford trains the FDD Going Grand filly for owner Renee Wilson. Jockey Jorge Torres had the riding call aboard the filly out of Jess Send Me Candy by Pyc Paint Your Wagon. Bred by PV Quarter Horse Farm LLC, Candy Going Grand has banked $56,657 in 12 starts.

Jest A Kool Boy, Waitin On Eight, Lillie Langtry, Fabulous Rachel, Jk Zipper, Rollin Country Girl and Suzy de Capi completed the field.

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For more information about the upcoming Will Rogers Downs meet visit the track website.