KENNEWICK, WA—MAY 6, 2012—Gerardo Sanguino's L Bar D Snow Princes' rallied in the late stages of the 400 yard $25,020 Merial Sun Downs Distaff Challenge Sunday afternoon to defeat Just A Rumor the three-quarters and earn an invite to the $125,000 Merial Distaff Challenge Championship(G1) at Prairie Meadows on October 27.

Under jockey Hugo Herrera, L Bar D Snow Princes completed her 400 yard course in a quick :19.580 seconds, earning a 109 speed index and picking up the winner's share of $11,759. Donald Young conditions the This Snow Is Royal mare out of Dash Home Deb by Strawfly Special.

The 6-year-old pushed her career earnings total to $46,382 with a 6-19-5 record from 42 career starts. Darrell and Linda Sanders bred her in Oregon.

Just A Rumor broke on top under jockey Troy Stillwell to finish 1-¼ lengths in front of the field while earning a 106 speed index. Also trained by Young, the Rare News mare is owned by Adrian Gallegos. Teri and Michael Dinnell bred Just A Rumor in Montana from the Band Of Azure mare Charlys Ragtime Band. She has a 6-9-3 record with earnings of $28,434 from 31 career starts.

Gary Chumbley's homebred Ez Gamer finished third for trainer Scott Raley. Ruben Camacho was aboard the Game Patriot 4-year-old from the Georgias Easy mare Easy Verna. She earned more than a$68,600.

Completing the field were A Regal Blue Sky, Queenly Walk, Oh La Hot, Lds Amazing Grace, Wild N Sexy and The Fire Fly.