Jessa Southern Girl, under jockey Armando Alvidrez, won the $56,006 John Deere Prairie Meadows Juvenile Challenge Saturday at Prairie Meadows

© Jack Coady Photography

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

ALTOONA, IA—AUGUST 15, 2026—Jessa Southern Girl kicked clear late to win the $56,006 John Deere Prairie Meadows Juvenile Challenge Saturday at Prairie Meadows, extending her winning streak to three consecutive races.

Ridden by Armando Alvidrez for leading trainer Jason Olmstead, Jessa Southern Girl covered the 350 yards over a fast track in 17.516, earning a 95 speed index. The bay filly crossed the wire one length ahead of Br Classified, with Counter 44 another three-quarters of a length back in third.

Winning connections of Jessa Southern Girl. © Jack Coady Photography

The victory was worth $25,763 for owner Robert S. Brown and increased Jessa Southern Girl's career earnings to $39,788. She has won three of five career starts, including her last three outings.

Bred in Oklahoma by Leann J Burns, Jessa Southern Girl is a daughter of leading sire Apollitical Jess from the Pyc Paint Your Wagon mare Mary Paintyourwagon. The 2-year-old filly was a $103,000 purchase at the 2025 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale.

Jessa Southern Girl also earned a berth to the Grade 2, $150,000-est. John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship, set for October 17 at The Downs at Albuquerque. The championship will be contested as part of AQHA Challenge Championship Night.

Br Classified earned $11,201 for his runner-up finish under jockey Miguel Ramirez. The Bradbury Racing homebred, trained by John Hammes, finished one length behind the winner and three-quarters of a length ahead of Counter 44.

Bred in Colorado by Bradbury Racing, the bay gelding is by leading sire Flying Cowboy 123 from I Told You Im Fancy, by Corona Cartel. Br Classified has earned $13,849 from five starts with one second and one third.

Counter 44 made a late gain to finish third, earning $5,600 for owner-breeder Nancy McCoy. Angel Ramirez rode the Charley Hunt trainee, who finished 1 3/4 lengths behind the winner. The Kansas-bred bay colt is by Flying Cowboy 123 from Im Gone for a Corona, by Corona Cartel. Counter 44 has won two of four career starts and has earned $15,740.

Also-rans were It Houston, who finished fourth, followed by Cyber Fundays, See U Next Tuesday, Lacylyn and Viva Le Richville. Lovlee and Nsm P51 were scratched.

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