Kung Fu Express, with Roman Cruz up, leads stablemates Queen Blue and Tommy Gunn across the wire in Monday’s $36,263 Cricket Bars Futurity at Will Rogers Downs.

© Jack Coady Photography

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

CLAREMORE, OK—SEPTEMBER 15, 2025—Trainer Jesus Ruben Ruiz dominated Monday’s $36,263 Cricket Bars Futurity at Will Rogers Downs, sending out Kung Fu Express, Queen Blue, and Tommy Gunn to sweep the top three spots in the 400-yard final for two-year-old Appaloosas.

Breaking from the far outside post under jockey Roman Cruz, Kung Fu Express powered clear and never looked back, stopping the timer in 20.704 seconds with a stiff 10 mph headwind. The post-time favorite’s effort paid $2.80 to win.

The winning connections of Kung Fu Express accept the Cricket Bar Futurity trophy at Will Rogers Downs on Monday. © Jack Coady Photography

Kung Fu Express collected $14,330 for the win, boosting his lifetime bankroll to $28,438 from seven career starts, including two victories, one second, and one third. The gray gelding is owned and bred by Racin RNS in Oklahoma by BP Hes Down to Dash out of Miss Kung Fu Panda, by General Wave.

Queen Blue, rallying late from post nine under Jonathan Dominguez, finished second to add $7,253 to her record. The Hes Relentless filly, bred and owned in Oklahoma by Gary Vaughan, is out of Ivory Queen, by Ivory James. She has started five times with one runner-up finish and $9,563 in earnings.

Tommy Gunn, who chased the pace in second before getting edged in the final strides, secured third with Juan Pulido aboard. The Hes Relentless gelding, also bred and owned by Gary Vaughan, is out of Eyesa Knockout, by Mr Eye Opener. He banked $5,340 for his effort, but has yet to break his maiden from four career starts.

The remaining order of finish was Hawk Tuah Hero, Tarzans Streaker, Artico, Grey Peregrine, Jess Send Rip, and Candy Doux. Rev It Up Wagon was scratched.

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