Full Moon Desire, ridden by Victor Urieta Jr, wins her trial heat and clocks fastest qualifying time to the $121,082 Sam Houston John Deere Juvenile Challenge [G3] on Saturday.

© Jack Coady Photography

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch.com

HOUSTON, TX–APRIL 26, 2025–Sixty-four juveniles participated in seven trials for the Sam Houston John Deere Juvenile Challenge on Saturday, competing for one of ten spots in the $121,082 Grade 3 finals scheduled for May 17. Full Moon Desire emerged victorious in her maiden debut during the second trial of the evening, achieving the fastest qualifying time.

Piloted by Victor Urieta Jr., Full Moon Desire had a quick start, taking the lead at the first call and crossing the finish line 2 3/4-lengths ahead of Bolt To An Eagle. The daughter of second-year sire Chilitos recorded a speed index of 91 with a time of 17.821 seconds, despite an 11 mph headwind. The victory, achieved over a distance of 350 yards, paid $6.00 to win on 2-1 odds.

Trainer Dimas Sanchez saddled Full Moon Desire for owner Leviram Racing LLC, who purchased her for $11,000 at last year’s TQHA Yearling Sale. Juan M. Jr. and Jairo Lozano bred the sorrel filly in Texas. She is out of the Desiro mare Mystical Desire, who is a half-sister to Jess Flying Cowgirl, the winner of the G2 Sam Houston Futurity.

The second fastest time came from the last trial of the evening with Aidens Favorite, who is also conditioned by Sanchez and ridden by Urieta Jr. The daughter of Tarzanito made her debut start from post-position eight to win by a length over Valiant Flame, clocking an 87 speed index in 17.980 seconds. The 2-1 favorite paid $6.60 to win for her effort.

Owner David Martinez purchased Aidens Favorite for $13,500 in the Heritage Place Yearling Sale. Sergio Ortega bred her in Oklahoma out of the Tres Seis mare Aidens Corazon. Her second dam, Streakin O Toole, is a new track record setter and Grade 3 winner.

CLICK HERE for complete details on the $121,082 Sam Houston John Deere Juvenile Challenge trials, including horse, sex, sire, dam, dam sire, owner, breeder, trainer, and jockey.

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