Champion Imperial Eagle, under jockey Jorge Bourdieu, setting the fastest time for the Bank of America Turf Paradise Championship Challenge.

© Coady Photography

PHOENIX, AZ – APRIL 7, 2018 - Imperial Eagle, the 2016 All American Futurity winner, is the fastest qualifier from two trials at 440 yards on Saturday for the Bank of America Turf Paradise Championship Challenge. Imperial Eagle ($4.20) and jockey Jorge Bourdieu posted a time of 21.453 to win the second trial, earning a speed index of 106.

It was the third start of the season for the son of One Famous Eagle and win number 11 in 19 starts. The 4-year-old gray gelding has earned over $1.86 million to date in his career.

Imperial Eagle was bred in California by Fredda Draper, out of the Genuine Strawfly mare Jenuine Joy, also a multiple graded stakes winner. He is owned by Christina Robinson and is trained by Tony Sedillo.

Finishing a short nose behind Imperial Eagle in the same trial was the second fastest qualifier, Fighter Gone Wild, with Emilio Tapia aboard. Fighter Gone Wild closed well to finish in 21.457 and also earned a 106 speed index.

Fighter Gone Wild is a 5-year-old gelding bred in Colorado by Tom Lichlyter. He is sired by Fighter On Fire, out of the Mr Sailing Easy mare Wanna Know Now. He is owned by Orlando Guerrero and is trained by Ubaldo Guerrero.

Fighter Gone Wild’s connections also teamed up to bring May Be Fantastic Sa to the winner’s circle in the first trial as the third fastest qualifier. May Be Fantastic Sa and Tapia covered the 440-yard trial distance in 21.611.

May Be Fantastic Sa ($3.40), was the post-time favorite heading into the first trial and first race of the day. Saturday’s trial win marked the eighth career win in 18 starts for the 5-year-old son of Fantastic Corona Jr and pushed him over the $100,000 mark for career earnings.

May Be Fantastic Sa was bred in Oklahoma by Gianni Franco Samaja, out of the Tres Seis mare Darlin Treis.

The $30,000 added Bank of America Turf Paradise Championship Challenge final will be held at Turf Paradise on Sunday, April 29.

For a complete list of Bank of America Turf Paradise Challenge Championship qualifiers, their times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.