Vytaliti, under jockey Ali Rivera, winning the $38,055 Q-Racing Video Lone Star Distaff Challenge at Lone Star Park.

© Dustin Orona Photography

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX–SEPTEMBER 29, 2023–Let go at 9-1 Grade 1-placed Vytaliti rolled to her first career stakes victory on Friday when she defeated Pops First Lady in the $38,055 Q-Racing Video Lone Star Distaff Challenge at Lone Star Park.

Under jockey Ali Rivera, Vytaliti got a clean trip as she went gate-to-wire over the 400 yards in :20.118 seconds, an 85 speed index into an 8 mph headwind.  It was the sixth career win in 15 starts for the daughter leading sire Mr Jess Perry.

Trainers James J. Gonzales III saddled the 4-year-old filly for owner Victor Diaz. Bred in Texas by Bobby D. Cox, from the First Down Dash mare Zenergy, Vytaliti picked up $18,647 to increase her bankroll to $134,670.

AQHA's Chief Racing Officer Janet VanBebber presents the Q-Racing Video Lone Star Distaff Challenge Stakes trophy to the connections of Vytaliti. © Dustin Orona Photography

Third in the Grade 1 Rainbow QH Oaks last year, tonight's win will give Vytaliti a starting spot in the Grade 1 $125,000-est. Q-Racing Video Distaff Challenge Championship October 21st during the Bank of America Challenge Champion Night at Lone Star Park.

Runner-up Pops First Lady earned $7,992 for her second-place effort. Robi A. Meche trains the multiple stakes winning daughter of Apollitical Jess for owner Ruse Ranch, LLC. Bryan Candanosa had the riding call aboard the Texas-bred from the Shazoom mare Shazooms Pop Pop. The multiple graded stakes winner has earned $328,404 in 22 career starts.

Post time favorite Fabulous Rachel, under jockey Juan Pulido, was bumped at the start to finish a nose back in third for owner Darling Farms. Waylan Melton trains the One Fabulous Eagle 4-year-old from the Teller Cartel mare Teller Baja. Juan Medina bred the 2023 Juno Request Stakes(G1) winner in Oklahoma. She has earned $143,560 in only nine career starts.

On The Kool Side, Apolitical Sass, Lipstick Promise and Big Drama Ali completed the field.