Racing


State-Bred Stars Shine On California Champions Night Stakes Events
Ed Allred’s homebred Warmly scored in the $30,000 Jens List Stakes for 3-year-olds.

© William Zuazo
State-Bred Stars Shine On California Champions Night Stakes Events

By Orlando Gutierrez

CYPRESS, CA–JULY 26, 2026–The 27th annual California Breeders Champions Night showcased the best of Quarter Horse racing in the state with a variety of divisional races, delivering high-level competition right from the opening gate.

In the $25,000 California Juvenile Gold Rush, EG High Desert Farms’ homebred filly A Mere Andrea delivered a strong finish to outgame MP Jess Rockin to win by a head. Trained by Jesus Nunez and ridden by J.R. Ayala, the sorrel filly by A Mere Felix rallied after an off-slow start, stopping the clock in :17.896 for 350 yards at 3-1 odds. MP Jess Rockin held second, while Ximenarey finished third.

Ed Allred’s homebred Warmly scored in the $30,000 Jens List Stakes for 3-year-olds. Guided by Gabriel Lara for trainer Scott Willoughby, the bay gelding avoided early trouble from post six, established a narrow lead, and lugged in late while keeping on task to hold off SG Jacob Jay by a neck in :20.130 over 400 yards. Next Norco completed the trifecta.

In the $25,000 California Breeders Claiming Stakes, race favorite AP Scorpion Boy produced a powerful closing kick for owner J. Levaughn Gines and trainer Adan Farias. Ridden by Ricardo Lozano, the 3-year-old gelding by Mpshinning made up significant ground late to go from fifth to win by a half-length in :15.530 over 300 yards. Straight Tequila finished second, with Echicera in third.

The overall program was dominated by powerhouse stallion Favorite Cartel, who sired five of the night's eight stakes winners, including Warmly, though non-Favorite Cartel runners like A Mere Andrea and AP Scorpion Boy proved they could step into the winner's circle on California racing's biggest night for state-breds.

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