Kowboy Boogie, under jockey Bryan Candanosa, won the $77,979 John Deere Will Rogers Juvenile Challenge on Sunday.

© Jack Coady Photography

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

CLAREMORE, OK—SEPTEMBER 28, 2025—Fastest qualifier Kowboy Boogie delivered on his promise Sunday afternoon at Will Rogers Downs, capturing the Grade 3 $36,660 John Deere Will Rogers Juvenile Challenge over 350 yards for AQHA Challenge-enrolled 2-year-olds.

Under jockey Bryan Candanosa, the bay colt broke on top and never relinquished command, crossing the wire in 17.805 seconds with a speed index of 87 against a 7-mph tailwind.

The victory was worth $35,870, boosting his career bankroll to $40,482, and secured him a berth in the $140,000-est. John Deere Juvenile Challenge (G2) Championship at The Downs at Albuquerque on October 18.

Bred in New Mexico by Carrol A. Durbin, the son of Flying Cowboy 123 out of Hot Lips Lupita by Capo de Capi is owned and trained by Kenneth Durbin. Kowboy Boogie was mostly hand-ridden to the finish, scoring by a half-length over his nearest rival.

The winning connections of Kowboy Boogie accept the John Deere Will Rogers Juvenile Challenge stakes trophy on Sunday. © Jack Coady Photography

Raizen Kane turned in a gritty runner-up performance under Ramiro Garcia, battling throughout and losing by only a neck at the wire. The sorrel gelding by One Famous Eagle out of Cartel Regards by Corona Cartel was bred in Texas by Bobby D. Cox, who also owns the gelding.

Trainer Jason Olmstead conditions him. Raizen Kane, a 2025 Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale graduate repurchased for $40,100, earned $15,596 for the effort, pushing his career earnings to $21,948 from four starts.

Finishing third, just a half-length behind the winner and missing second by a neck, was Electrifying, a determined sorrel filly piloted by champion jockey Francisco Calderon.

By five-time AQHA Racing World Champion sire FDD Dynasty out of Jess Kiss Me by Kiss My Hocks, she was bred in Oklahoma by Brandon Chavez and races for owner Lucky Ladies. Trainer Michael Joiner saddled the $40,000 2024 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale purchase, who added $7,798 to her earnings, bringing her total earnings to $17,168 from only four starts.

Kowboy Boogie paid $4.80 to win, $3.40 to place, and $3.00 to show. Raizen Kane returned $10.00 to place and $5.60 to show. Electrifying paid $4.80 to show.

The remaining order of finish was I Are a Cowgirl, Asher, Sm Rosies Cat, Send Magic Mike, Hotsgirl, RR Jess a Bit Evil, and Get Up N Gone.

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