Catchn Southern Rays, under jockey Cristian Esqueda, posted the fastest clocking from two trials Thursday night for the $48,807 Adequan Prairie Meadows Derby Challenge.

© Jack Coady Photography

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

ALTOONA, IA—JULY 31, 2025—Stakes winner Catchn Southern Rays turned in the fastest qualifying time on Thursday evening to headline the ten finalists for the $48,807 Adequan Prairie Meadows Derby Challenge for Challenge-enrolled 3-year-olds.

The 400-yard final is set for Sunday, August 17, at Prairie Meadows, with the winner also earning a berth in the $165,000-est. Adequan Derby Challenge Championship (G3) on October 18 at The Downs at Albuquerque as part of AQHA Challenge Championship Night.

Racing in the first of two trials, Catchn Southern Rays broke sharply under jockey Cristian Esqueda and drew clear to win by 1 ½ lengths, stopping the clock in 19.738 for owner and breeder Leann J. Burns of Oklahoma.

The filly by leading sire Apollitical Jess out of Mary Paintyourwagon, a daughter of Pyc Paint Your Wagon, is conditioned by Stacy Charette-Hill. Winner of last year's Black Gold Fillies Futurity and a finalist in the Heritage Place Oaks(G2) in May, Catchn Southern Rays has earned nearly $290,000 in 12 starts.

The second-fastest qualifier emerged from the same heat, as The Criminal finished a clear second to the top qualifier in 20.002. The 3-year-old gelding also by Apollitical Jess out of Ms Riptide, by Ocean Runaway, races for Tom Maher and was bred in New Mexico by MJ Farms.

Trained by Jason L. Olmstead, he was ridden by Armando Alvidrez. A $50,000 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale purchase in 2023, The Criminal showed a sharp effort to secure his place in the final.

He won the John Deere Will Rogers Juvenile Challenge last season and was third in Albuquerque's John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship(G3) last fall. The Criminal has earned $61,252.

John Deere Prairie Meadows Juvenile Challenge winner Rockin The Train completed the top three qualifiers, capturing the second trial in 20.082 under Alejandro Medina.

The brown gelding by BP Wagon Train out of Rock Solid Jet, by Rock Solid Jess, is trained by Brdley Bolden. Owned and bred in Texas by Debra M. Gotovac, he has earned $63,135. Rockin The Train broke on top and led throughout for a wire-to-wire trial score.

The top 10 finishers from Thursday’s trials will advance to the August 17 final at Prairie Meadows, where they will vie for the $48,807 purse and a spot in the prestigious Grade 3 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship at Albuquerque.

CLICK HERE for the list of qualifiers, including times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.