Challenge


Three Olives N Smoke to Tackle Open Company in Arapahoe Derby Challenge
Three Olives N Smoke is expected to start in the Adequan Arapahoe Park Derby Challenge at Arapahoe Park.

© Coady Photography
Three Olives N Smoke to Tackle Open Company in Arapahoe Derby Challenge

BY MICHAEL CUSORTELLI

AURORA, CO-—JUNE 3, 2016—Three Olives N Smoke has been double-entered in Saturday’s Lucille Rowe Derby (R) for Colorado-breds and Adequan Arapahoe Park Derby Challenge, and it appears the homebred gelding by champion Jess Louisiana Blue will run in the latter stakes.

Trained by John Hammes for owners Margo Schares and Brad Thomas, Three Olives N Smoke recorded the fastest qualifying time to the Lucille Rowe Derby with his 1 1/2-length victory in the first of four trials on May 20. However, his connections have decided to try the bay gelding against Challenge company in hopes of earning a berth to the October 29, $200,000 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship (G2) at Los Alamitos Racecourse.

Three Olives N Smoke has won six of his seven starts, including all six of his outs at Arapahoe, and he has earned $112,132. The gelding won two stakes last summer at the Denver-area track.

Three Olives N Smoke drew post 3 and will be ridden by Joe Badilla Jr.

The complete lineup, in post position order including jockey assignments--

  1. Pickled On Corona (Edwuin Lujan)
  2. Royal Quick Eagle (Juan Pulido)
  3. Three Olives N Smoke (Joe Badilla Jr.)
  4. Kips Big Boy (Raul Gutierrez)
  5. May Be Fantastic SA (Martin Osuna)
  6. Streak N Cartel (Jesus Munoz)
  7. Air Force Won (Ramiro Garcia)
  8. Turner Loose Foose (Vince Guerra)
  9. Swingin Flight (Jesus Osuna)
  10. Persistent Pyc (Alfredo Triana Jr.).

All Arapahoe Park races can be seen at Q-RacingVideo.com.