Ajs Fast Corona, under jockey Edwin Escobedo, setting the fastest qualifying time for the $30,000 Adequan Will Rogers Derby Challenge on Tuesday.

© Coady Photography

CLAREMORE, OK–SEPTEMBER 12, 2023–Ninety-thousand dollar Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale graduate Aj Fast Corona raced to the fastest qualifying time for the Adequan Will Rogers Derby Challenge on Tuesday at Will Rogers Downs.

The 10 fastest qualifiers, from two trial races contested over 400 yards, will return to Will Rogers Downs on Sunday, October 1 to vie for a winner's share of the $30,000 purse.

Also at stake is a starting spot in the October 21 $125,000-est. Adequan Derby Challenge Championship(G3) to be contested as part of the Bank of America Challenge Championship Night at Lone Star Park.

Under jockey Edwin Escobedo Aj Fast Corona closed fastest to win by three-quarters while recording the top mark of :19.653 seconds, a 101 speed index with a 6 mph tailwind. The track's racing surface was rated "good".

Trainer Jason Olmstead saddled the daughter of leading sire Apollitical Jess from the Corona Cartel mare Fast Prize Corona. The two-time winning earner of $51,533 was bred in Oklahoma by Rancho El Cabresto Inc. Aj Fast Corona was a finalist in the Rainbow Oaks(G1) and the Remington Park Oaks earlier this year.

Olmstead also sent out stakes-placed Fox News to win the opening trial while recording the fourth fastest time of :19.822 seconds, a 96 speed index into 4 mph crosswind.

Tom Maher owns the FDD Dynasty filly from the Mr Jess Perry mare Sumer Love Song. Jim Streelman and Bill Dale bred the bay filly in Missouri. Second in the Prairie Meadows Gold Derby in July, Fox News has earned $105,542. Escobedo was riding.

For a complete list of Adequan Will Rogers Derby Challenge finalists, times, sires, dams, owners, breeders and trainers CLICK HERE.

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The 2023 fall season officially began at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs September 11th and will concludes November 14th. Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs is located 3 miles east of Claremore on Highway 20. For more information, visit www.cherokeecasino.com and click on the Will Rogers Downs tab, or call (918) 283-8800.