Multiple graded stakes winner Jt Midlife Crisis delivered the fastest qualifying time for the $1,000,000 Texas Classic Futurity (G1) on Friday night at Lone Star Park, leading 10 finalists from 15 trials contested at 400 yards. The Grade 1 final is scheduled for Saturday, November 21.

The Oklahoma-bred gelding stopped the clock in :19.398, earning a 101 speed index while dominating the 14th race on the program by 2-1/4 lengths. His performance edged undefeated All American Futurity (G1) winner Cowboys Flying, who posted the second-fastest qualifying time of :19.445.

Jt Midlife Crisis, a 2-year-old son of third-crop sire Tell Cartel out of Wranglers Vision, by Real Visions, broke sharply from the inside post under jockey Roman Cruz and quickly established command. He led by 1-1/2 lengths early, extended his advantage to 2-1/2 lengths during the race, and cruised home ahead of Ruse Man Crystal, with Revenant Mark finishing third.

Owned by Cuadra Ladrilleros, Ltd. Co., Jt Midlife Crisis was bred in Oklahoma by Jeffrey Allen Tyer and is trained by Jose Hernandez-Martinez.

The sorrel gelding entered Friday's trials with an impressive record that now stands at seven victories from eight career starts and earnings of $298,222. His previous accomplishments include victories in the Dash For Cash Futurity (G2) and Speedhorse Futurity (G3), along with a finalist appearance in the Easy Jet Stakes (G2).

His latest performance positions him as the fastest qualifier for one of the richest Quarter Horse futurities of the fall season.

Cowboys Flying, already a millionaire and the nation's leading 2-year-old, kept his perfect record intact with another commanding performance in the sixth trial.

Ridden by Nestor Duran, the brown gelding stumbled at the break but quickly recovered to take control. He opened a 1-1/2-length advantage early, widened his lead, and finished 2-1/2 lengths ahead of Dangerous Leigh, stopping the clock in :19.445 for a 99 speed index. Bv So Long finished third.

The victory extended Cowboys Flying's unbeaten record to seven wins from seven starts, with career earnings of $2,068,793.

Trained by Marco Adair Chavez-Gutierrez for Double J Racing, Cowboys Flying is a Texas-bred son of leading sire Flying Cowboy 123 out of Cartels Lady, by Carters Cartel. He was bred by Dr. Tommy Hays and purchased for $53,000 at the 2025 TQHA Yearling Sale.

Cowboys Flying has already established himself among the nation's elite juveniles with victories in the All American Futurity (G1), TQHA Sale Futurity (RG1), and Texas Breeders' Futurity.

His qualifying effort sets up a highly anticipated meeting with Jt Midlife Crisis in the November 21 final, matching two accomplished graded stakes winners who have combined for 14 victories from 15 career starts.

Jc Canelo secured the third-fastest qualifying position with a determined victory in the third trial, covering the 400 yards in :19.633 for a 94 speed index.

The gray gelding engaged Fearless Cowboy in a prolonged duel before prevailing by a head in a photo finish. Fearless Cowboy, who had held a narrow advantage during the race, finished second in :19.646, while Candy in My Arms was another neck back in third at :19.695. All three advanced to the championship final.

Jc Canelo is a Texas-bred son of champion sire Apollitical Blood out of Tf Fearless Runaway, by Sir Runaway Dash. Owned by Denis I. Moran, he was bred by Jaime Cardenas and is trained by Arnold G. Herrera. Victor Manuel Urieta Jr. was aboard for Friday's victory.

The gelding was offered at the 2025 TQHA Yearling Sale, where he was listed as a $70,000 RNA.

Jc Canelo improved his career record to four victories from eight starts, with one third-place finish and earnings of $68,918. His previous accomplishments include a victory in the Dash For Cash Juvenile, a fourth-place finish in the Texas Breeders' Futurity, and a finalist appearance in the Louisiana Downs Futurity (G2).

The third trial proved particularly competitive, producing three of the 10 fastest qualifiers for the championship final.

Just one-thousandth of a second separated the fourth- and fifth-fastest qualifiers. Expensive Toro, a son of A Revenant, won the fifth trial by 1-1/4 lengths in :19.634, while Fearless Cowboy, another son of Flying Cowboy 123, qualified fifth in :19.646 after finishing second to Jc Canelo.

Other finalists include Candy in My Arms (:19.695), Mister Sinatra (:19.697), Limites Sin B (:19.706), Pyc Dollars Cowboy (:19.732), and La Golden Eagle (:19.740).

The final field features several prominent young stallions, including Flying Cowboy 123, who is represented by Cowboys Flying, Fearless Cowboy, and Pyc Dollars Cowboy, while leading first-crop sire Golden Boi has two qualifiers in Limites Sin B and La Golden Eagle.

The 10 fastest qualifiers will return to Lone Star Park on Saturday, November 21, to compete in the $1,000,000 Texas Classic Futurity (G1).

CLICK HERE for a complete list of qualifiers with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, and jockeys.

A $50,000 est. Texas Classic Juvenile will also be contested on November 21 for the second 10 fastest qualifiers from Friday's trials, providing an additional stakes opportunity for juveniles who narrowly missed qualifying for the Grade 1 championship. CLICK HERE for those horses.

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Multiple Grade 1 winner Favorite Jesshawk SI 96, a four-time stakes winner with career earnings of $493,939, will retire from racing following the 2026 season and begin his stallion career at Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction in Opelousas, Louisiana, in 2027. His introductory breeding fee has been set at $3,500.

The 4-year-old chestnut son of multiple stakes sire A Mere Felix, out of the stakes-winning One Sweet Jess mare Jess Hawk, is owned by EG High Desert Farms LLC and will stand as a Louisiana-bred stallion.

“We're excited to welcome Favorite Jesshawk to our stallion roster for 2027,” said Stephen Deville, breeding manager at Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction. “He's the kind of horse breeders are looking for—a multiple Grade 1 winner who proved himself at two, three, and four against some of the best horses in the country. His pedigree is equally impressive, especially with the success of his full brother Jess Im Worth It and the strength of the Favorite Cartel sire line.

We are extremely thankful to EG High Desert Farms for this opportunity to represent their outstanding stallion outside of California. We believe Favorite Jesshawk has all the credentials to become an exceptional sire, and we're looking forward to introducing him to Louisiana breeders,” he concluded.

Before beginning his breeding career, Favorite Jesshawk is expected to make one of his final racing appearances in the prestigious Grade 1, $700,000 Champion of Champions at Los Alamitos Race Course on Saturday, December 12. He earned his berth by winning the Grade 1 Brad McKinzie Winter Championship earlier this year.

A Proven Grade 1 Performer

Favorite Jesshawk has established himself among California's accomplished runners, compiling seven wins, seven seconds, and two thirds from 20 career starts while earning $493,939 through October 27.

His four stakes victories include the Grade 1 Governor's Cup Futurity, Grade 1 Brad McKinzie Winter Championship, Grade 2 Golden State Derby, and Los Alamitos Two Million Juvenile Stakes.

As a 2-year-old, Favorite Jesshawk won five of nine starts and earned $269,201, highlighted by his Governor's Cup Futurity victory. He also finished third in the Grade 1 Golden State Million Futurity.

At three, he added the Golden State Derby to his résumé and finished second in both the Grade 2 Governor's Cup Derby and Grade 2 Southern California Derby. His sophomore campaign produced $145,328 in earnings, and he earned California Hi-Point Three-Year-Old Colt honors.

Returning at four in 2026, Favorite Jesshawk captured the Grade 1 Brad McKinzie Winter Championship, defeating the newly crowned AQHA Racing Champion 2-Year-Old and 2-Year-Old Colt of 2024, Lethal Cowboy 123. He finished second in the Grade 1 Robert L. Boniface Los Alamitos Invitational Championship in his last start and has earned $79,410 from two starts this season.

His consistency against elite competition, including victories at two, three, and four, gives the young stallion a racing résumé that combines juvenile ability, durability, and success at the highest levels of Quarter Horse racing.

A Rising Sire Line Through Favorite Cartel

Favorite Jesshawk is a son of A Mere Felix SI 95, a stakes-winning and multiple Grade 1 stakes siring son of Favorite Cartel who has quickly established himself as a promising young sire.

From three crops of racing age, A Mere Felix has sired 19 winners and three stakes winners from 37 starters, with progeny earnings totaling $1,579,559.

His leading performers include Grade 1 Ed Burke Million Futurity winner Jess Im Worth It SI 95 ($665,234), Favorite Jesshawk ($493,939), and stakes-winning juvenile A Mere Andrea ($32,175).

Favorite Jesshawk is a paternal grandson of Favorite Cartel SI 104, one of the industry's most influential contemporary sires. Through October 27, Favorite Cartel has sired 1,008 winners, 158 stakes winners, and eight champions from 12 crops of racing age, with progeny earnings exceeding $67.5 million.

Among his outstanding runners are three-time champion Cyber Attack ($1,721,346), champion Trane Station V ($1,754,152), Cartel Jess Rockin ($849,101), Tell Cartel ($796,386) and Golden Boi ($721,647).

Favorite Cartel's influence is increasingly evident through his sons at stud, with three ranking among the leading young sires of 2026.

Golden Boi currently leads the nation's first-year sires with $1,709,334 in progeny earnings from 34 winners and two stakes winners. His leading earner is El Huracano V ($632,670).

Cyber Monday heads the second-year sire standings with $3,071,964 in progeny earnings, 81 winners, and three stakes winners. His leading earner is Fall Classic ($530,970).

Another Favorite Cartel son, Tell Cartel, ranks fourth among third-year sires with $1,324,578 in progeny earnings, 36 winners, and four stakes winners. His leading earner is the Dash For Cash Futurity (G2) winner JT Midlife Crisis ($292,222).

The success of these young stallions demonstrates Favorite Cartel's growing importance as a sire of sires and provides an encouraging foundation for Favorite Jesshawk as he enters the breeding industry through his sire, A Mere Felix.

Outstanding Female Family Producing Grade 1 Winners

Favorite Jesshawk's female family offers an equally compelling foundation for his breeding career.

His dam, Jess Hawk SI 99, a daughter of One Sweet Jess, won six races and earned $157,951 while competing against top California runners. Her stakes victories included the Grade 3 Miss Princess Handicap and Pat Hyland Memorial Handicap.

She also finished second in the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Winter Derby and third in the Grade 1 Brad McKinzie Winter Championship, earning California Hi-Point Aged Mare honors.

Jess Hawk has developed into an exceptional producer, with all five of her starters becoming winners.

In addition to Favorite Jesshawk, she produced his full brother Jess Im Worth It SI 95, winner of the Grade 1 Ed Burke Million Futurity and runner-up in the Grade 1 Golden State Million Futurity. Jess Im Worth It earned $665,234 during his juvenile campaign.

Another full sibling, A Mere Andrea SI 87, has emerged as a stakes-winning 2-year-old in 2026, capturing the Ed Burke Memorial Juvenile Stakes and California Juvenile Gold Rush Stakes while earning $32,175.

The three full siblings have combined earnings of $1,191,348, underscoring the strength and consistency of the A Mere Felix–Jess Hawk cross.

Jess Hawk is also the dam of stakes-placed Jess Luna SI 81 and winner Grover SI 96.

The family traces through Favorite Jesshawk's second dam, Merridoc Hawk SI 100, a multiple graded stakes winner by Hawkinson who earned $219,912.

Merridoc Hawk captured the Grade 1 Mildred N. Vessels Memorial Handicap, Grade 2 California Breeders' Matron Stakes, and Grade 3 Kaweah Bar Handicap. She was also a finalist in the prestigious Grade 1 Champion of Champions.

The presence of two successive generations of accomplished stakes-winning mares, combined with multiple Grade 1 performers among Jess Hawk's offspring, gives Favorite Jesshawk a strong maternal pedigree to complement his sire line.

Louisiana Breeding Opportunity for 2027

Favorite Jesshawk will enter stud at Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction, located at 5124 Highway 182 in Opelousas, Louisiana.

The facility is owned by a partnership headed by veterinarian Dr. Eddie Cramer, with Stephen Deville serving as breeding manager.

His introductory 2027 breeding fee is $3,500, and he will stand as a Louisiana-bred stallion.

With Grade 1 victories at two and four, a Grade 2 derby victory at three, and a pedigree combining the emerging sire power of Favorite Cartel with a highly productive female family, Favorite Jesshawk offers breeders across the Southwest an opportunity to access a proven California stakes performer.

His anticipated appearance in the December 12 Champion of Champions will provide a final opportunity to add to his accomplishments before transitioning to the breeding shed.

For additional information or breeding contracts, contact Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction at (337) 407-0708, or breeding manager Stephen Deville at (225) 202-2104.

Email inquiries may be directed to laceroffice@gmail.com, or visit www.laequine.com.

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All-time leading money-earning Quarter Horse Kj Desparado added another Grade 1 victory to his remarkable career Saturday night, holding off a determined Stetsonn by a neck in the $290,375 AQHA Racing Challenge Championship (G1) at The Downs at Albuquerque.

The 7-year-old gelding, sent off as the 6-5 favorite, completed the 440 yards in 21.063 seconds, earning a 98 speed index over a fast racing surface while facing a 4-mph headwind.

Ridden by Noe Garcia Jr. for trainer Wesley T. Giles, Kj Desparado broke sharply from post six, established an early advantage, and maintained a narrow lead through the stretch. Under a strong drive, the veteran champion turned back Stetsonn's challenge to secure the $133,573 winner's share.

The victory increased Kj Desparado's career earnings to $3,617,850, further extending his position as the richest racing American Quarter Horse in history.

Owned by John Lee, Kathy Lee, and Ruben Mares, Kj Desparado is a 7-year-old brown gelding by leading sire Apollitical Jess out of Tres Veses, by Tres Seis. He was bred in Arizona by L&L Land & Cattle.

Saturday's victory improved his career record to 19 wins, 11 seconds, and one third from 38 starts.

Kj Desparado's extraordinary racing career includes victories in the All American Futurity (G1), Texas Classic Futurity (G1), Ruidoso Derby (G1), All American Derby (G1), Texas Classic Derby (G1), All American Gold Cup (G1), and two editions of the Refrigerator Championship (G1), among other major stakes.

His latest championship triumph added another prestigious title to a career that has spanned five racing seasons and established him among the sport's all-time greats.

Stetsonn, a 4-year-old gelding by champion Jess Good Candy, turned in a determined runner-up performance, finishing a neck behind the winner and earning $58,075.

Breaking from post seven under champion jockey James A. Flores, Stetsonn raced prominently throughout, dueling with the winner before narrowly missing in the final strides.

Trained by Dean R. Frey for owners G. R. Carter Jr. and Shaena Carter, Stetsonn is a home bred for the Carters. He is out of Stella Lou, by One Famous Eagle.

Stetsonn was an $18,000 RNA at the 2023 Ruidoso Yearling Sale.

The gelding has compiled five wins and one second from 10 career starts, with earnings of $201,029. His accomplishments include a victory in the Remington Park Championship Challenge Stakes (G2), along with finalist appearances in the Ruidoso Derby (G1) and Remington Park Derby (RG1).

Scoops Dynasty completed the trifecta, finishing another half-length behind Stetsonn to earn $29,038 for owner Edward J. McNelis.

The 7-year-old gelding, ridden by Jacob Enriquez for trainer Diego Cervantes, raced in fourth early before advancing into third and holding that position by a neck.

Bred by Edward J. and Von Zae McNelis, Scoops Dynasty is by five-time world champion sire FDD Dynasty out of Bye Sweet Girl, by Dashin Bye.

An accomplished Grade 1 winner himself, Scoops Dynasty has earned $844,725 from 36 career starts, recording 11 wins, nine seconds, and four thirds.

His stakes victories include the AQHA Racing Challenge Championship (G1), two editions of the Go Man Go Handicap (G1), Los Alamitos Winter Derby (G1), and Golden State Derby (G2).

Hooked N Gone finished fourth, a neck behind Scoops Dynasty, followed by Mysterious Cartel in fifth, Bold N Beautiful in sixth, Eagles Up in seventh, Bee A Freight Train in eighth, Shaundas Eagle in ninth, and Shakers No Secret in tenth.

The championship highlighted Saturday night's AQHA Racing Challenge Championship program at The Downs at Albuquerque, bringing together some of the nation's most accomplished older Quarter Horses.

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Lone Star Park will close out one of the biggest weekends of the 2026 Quarter Horse racing season on Saturday, October 31, when 73 three-year-olds compete in eight trial heats for the Grade 1 $334,000 Texas Classic Derby and the Grade 2 $243,000 Purina Feeds Texas Classic Oaks, with a combined $577,000 in final purses on the line.

Saturday's program includes three trials for the Texas Classic Oaks and five for the Texas Classic Derby. Only the ten fastest qualifiers from each event will advance to their respective finals on Saturday, November 21, as part of Texas Classic Night.

Shes Ec To Tempt Headlines Competitive Texas Classic Oaks Trials

A talented group of 29 sophomore fillies will compete in three 400-yard trials for the Grade 2 $243,000 Purina Feeds Texas Classic Oaks, scheduled as races four through six. The opening trial is set for approximately 7:23 p.m.

Riding a five-race winning streak, Shes Ec To Tempt enters the fifth race and the second Oaks trial as the 2-1 morning-line favorite. The daughter of Tempting Dash has put together an impressive sophomore campaign, highlighted by victories in the $36,000 G.C.F.A. Dutchman Stakes and the Grade 3 $100,000 TQHA Sires' Cup Derby.

With nine victories and one runner-up finish in ten career starts, Shes Ec To Tempt has earned $202,623 for owner K K Horse Racing.

Bred in Texas by Javier Garza, Shes Ec To Tempt is out of the Ec Jet One mare Kas Shes Ec. Trainer Jose A. Garcia will send Shes Ec To Tempt from post five, with jockey Francisco Calderon named to ride for the first time.

Another accomplished Grade 1 winner aiming to secure a place in the November 21 final is Apollirevenge, the 3-1 morning-line favorite in the sixth race, the final Oaks trial.

The daughter of A Revenant has made two starts this season, finishing in the money both times, including a runner-up finish in the Grade 2 $75,000 Easy Date Stakes.

Apollirevenge's most notable accomplishment came during the juvenile campaign, a dead-heat victory in the Grade 1 $1.161 million Heritage Place Futurity.

Apollirevenge has been preparing for a return to competition, including a gate breeze on October 10 at Lone Star Park ahead of Saturday's trials.

Bred in California by Rancho El Cabresto, Apollirevenge is out of the Apollitical Jess mare Apollititaka. Trainer Kash Reed will saddle Apollirevenge from the inside post, with Francisco Calderon named to ride.

With multiple stakes performers entered in the three trials, the Oaks promises a competitive battle for the ten coveted qualifying spots.

Defending Texas Classic Futurity Champion Holy Guacamolee Returns Among Derby Standouts

The Grade 1 $334,000 Texas Classic Derby brings together 44 sophomore colts and geldings for five 440-yard trials, run as races eight through twelve. The opening Derby trial is scheduled for approximately 8:41 p.m.

Among the leading contenders is Heza Hawkeye, the 8-5 morning-line favorite in race eight, the first Derby trial.

The Texas-bred gelding arrives from Indiana after a productive sophomore campaign, which includes a win in the $124,000 QHRAI Stallion Service Auction Derby and a runner-up finish in the $75,000 Horseshoe Indianapolis QHRAI Derby.

Heza Hawkeye has recorded one win and three second-place finishes in four starts this season, bringing career earnings to $230,949 for owner R Chavez Racing, LLC, which purchased the gelding for just $8,500 at the TQHA Yearling Sale.

Heza Hawkeye, a son of Hawkeye out of the Azoom mare Sheza Bugsy, was bred in Texas by Torres Buildings. Trainer Sebastian Gonzales will send Heza Hawkeye from post one with jockey Jesus Olivas aboard.

Another leading Derby contender, Royalist, enters the tenth race and third trial as the 8-5 morning-line favorite after four consecutive victories.

The son of the Corona Cartel has established a strong sophomore record, most recently capturing the Grade 2 $168,000 Dash For Cash Derby at Lone Star Park.

The winning streak also includes the $181,000 Retama Park Derby and its corresponding trial. Earlier this season, Royalist finished second in the Grade 3 Sam Houston Derby.

With six career victories and earnings totaling $247,829, Royalist is owned by Hector Reina, who purchased the California-bred colt for $120,000 at the Los Alamitos Yearling Sale.

Bred by Veronica Gail Kawananakoa, Royalist is out of the One Famous Eagle mare Zigfield Follies. Trainer Ben Olaveson will saddle Royalist from post two, with jockey Luis L. Vivanco named to ride.

Adding further depth to the Derby trials is the dual-registered colt Jc Speeding, entered in race eleven and the fourth qualifying heat.

However, one of the evening's most anticipated appearances will be in the twelfth and final race, when defending Grade 1 Texas Classic Futurity Champion Holy Guacamolee returns to Lone Star Park in pursuit of another Texas Classic title.

The son of Chilitos captured the prestigious Grade 1 Texas Classic Futurity in 2025 and has been preparing for Saturday's assignment with a series of workouts at the Grand Prairie oval.

Holy Guacamolee shipped into Lone Star Park for a workout in late September, then returned for an easy breeze in mid-October, setting the stage for an attempt to qualify for the Derby final.

Bred in Texas by Jorge Haddad, Holy Guacamolee is out of the Oak Tree Special mare So Into You and races for owner Madison Dunn.

Trainer Kash Reed will saddle Holy Guacamolee from post four, with jockey Juan Pulido taking the reins in pursuit of a qualifying time and a return to Texas Classic Night.

With established Grade 1 winners, rising-stakes performers, and several proven Derby contenders spread across five trials, Saturday's competition is expected to be one of the most competitive qualifying programs of the Lone Star Park meet.

Only ten of the 44 Derby hopefuls will earn a spot in the $334,000 final, and ten fillies will advance from the Oaks trials.

The qualifiers will return on Saturday, November 21, when Lone Star Park hosts Texas Classic Night, bringing together the season's leading contenders for one of the premier evenings of Quarter Horse racing in Texas.

The races at Lone Star Park can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

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