Sheza Famous Candy, ridden by Edwin Escobedo, wins the $66,666 John Deere Prairie Meadows Juvenile Challenge by 3/4-lengths on Saturday.

© Coady Photography

ALTOONA, IA–AUGUST 19, 2023–Post-time favorite Sheza Famous Candy came from behind to win the $66,666 350-yard John Deere Prairie Meadows Juvenile Challenge on Saturday.

Sheza Famous Candy broke fifth from the gates and fell to eighth by first call. But Edwin Escobedo took charge and lead the daughter of One Famous Eagle to a 3/4-length victory over Apollitical Love in :17.802 seconds, clocking a 94 speed index. The first place finish paid $3.80 for the win.

Trained by Jason Olmstead, Sheza Famous Candy has three wins and one second from five starts. She broke her maiden at Remington Park from her first start earlier in the season, then won her trial heat in her second out to the Heritage Place Futurity(G1) and came back seventh in the finals. 

The winning connections of Sheza Famous Candy accept the $66,666 John Deere Prairie Meadows Juvenile Challenge winning trophy on Saturday . © Coady Photography

Sheza Famous Candy then placed second in her trial to the John Deere Prairie Meadows Juvenile with the fifth fastest time and returned for her first career stakes win. The $30,666 winner's share of the purse ups her lifetime earnings to $100,590.

Bred by S-Quarter K, LLC, Sheza Famous Candy was bought by her current owner Tom Schekel for $72,000 in last year's Heritage Place Yearling Sale. She is out of Send Me Special by Oak Tree Special. 

Runner-up Apollitical Love was ridden by Giovany Estrada. The daughter of Apollitical Blood has yet to break her maiden from four starts with earnings of $15,394 and her finish for second paid betting spectator's $18.00 for place.

Trainer Robert Johnson saddled Apollitical Love for owner-breeder Legacy Ranch. The North Dakota-bred filly is out of Panther Prize Me by Panther Mountain.

Jess Folzookieing, with Armando Alvidrez in the irons, had a slim lead at the beginning but was out kicked at the finish for third. The Oklahoma-bred filly has lit the board in every out from four starts with two wins and $23,351 in the bank.

Breeder Cavenaugh Quarter Horses, LLC sold Jess Folzookieing for $62,500 to current owners Gene and Faye Reeves in the 2022 Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale. She is also trained by Jason Olmstead.

Completing the order of finish is Kinetic, Mr Tread Lightly Nsm Sugars Cartel, I Know The Cowboy, Ungawa, Slippery Ann (DH) and Risin Cowboy (DH).

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About Prairie Meadows

Prairie Meadows began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989 with the goal of promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa. Through taxes, grants, and charitable donations, Prairie Meadows has given $2 billion to the state of Iowa. Prairie Meadows offers slot machines, table games, live and simulcast racing, sports wagering, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.