Mystic Paint, ridden by Ramiro Garcia, wins the $54,950 Keokuk Stakes [G3] at Prairie Meadows on Sunday.

© Jack Coady Photography

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

ALTOONA, IA–JULY 6, 2025–Mystic Paint, recently named the 2024 AQHA Champion Three-Year-Old Colt, reaffirmed his elite status with a determined victory in the $54,950 Keokuk Stakes [G3] for three-year-olds and older on Sunday, July 6, at Prairie Meadows.

Racing 350 yards on a fast dirt track with a five mph tailwind, Mystic Paint surged late to win by a half-length, stopping the clock at 17.407 seconds and earning a 98 speed index.

Under jockey Ramiro Garcia, Mystic Paint broke third and held that position until the final stretch before surging to the front at the wire to best the favored Ab Boogie. The effort paid $54.60 to win at longshot odds of 26-1, delivering a $25,000 winner’s share to owner William Harned.

Bred in Oklahoma by Cavenaugh Quarter Horses LLC, Mystic Paint is by Pyc Paint Your Wagon and out of Jess So Sixy, by Mr Jess Perry. The colt was a $43,000 purchase from the 2022 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale and is trained by leading conditioner Jason Olmstead.

This win marks a significant rebound for Mystic Paint, who began his 2025 campaign with promise by running second in the Mighty Deck Three Stakes [G2] and fourth in the Remington Park Championship Challenge [G2].

However, he faltered in his last two outings, finishing last in the Leo Stakes [G1] and Debbie Schauf Invitational Championship [G1]. Sunday's performance was a strong reminder of his class and resilience, affirming his ability to compete at the stakes level.

Ab Boogie, the even-money favorite, broke second from the gate and stayed strong through the stretch for place. The four-year-old gelding by Apollitical Blood is out of Boogie Wagon, by Lil Kool Wagon. He is trained by Manuel Mojica Campos and ridden by Alfredo Triana Jr.

Ab Boogie earned $13,950 for owner/breeder Ruben Mojica, which improved his earnings to over $190,000 and has a consistent record of five wins and five seconds from 14 starts.

His 2024 campaign includes a runner-up finish in the Bob Moore Memorial Stakes [G2], and he was a finalist in both the Leo Stakes and Debbie Schauf Invitational Championship [G1]. He previously captured the Polk County Derby and Cy-Hawk Stakes at Prairie Meadows in 2024.

Finishing third by a nose was Cardiac Cowboy, who showed early speed from the rail but was outkicked late in the drive. The brown gelding, piloted by Armando Alvidrez, is trained by Jason Olmstead and owned by Tom and Lou Ann Smith, in partnership with Amber Olmstead.

Cardiac Cowboy banked $5,000 for his effort and now boasts a record of 9-3-3 from 23 starts with earnings of $333,408. Bred in Oklahoma by Jo Rice, he is by Flying Cowboy 123 and out of Southard Cartel, by Carters Cartel.

He was a $30,000 repurchase at the 2022 Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale. This was his fifth stakes try of the year and his first to hit on the board in 2025, after winning the Altoona Derby last season and Valley Junction Futurity [G3] in 2023.

The remaining order of finish following the top three was: Buymyladyacorona (fourth), A Legacy of Tales (fifth), Miss Kt Perry (sixth), Nothin Like You (seventh), Ls Jacks Back (eighth), and Cowboy 123 (ninth). Presido Pete was scratched.

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

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