O Donovan Rossa, the defending champion of the Grade 2 Q-Racing Video Distance Challenge Stakes, returns to the 870-yard test at Remington Park after posting the second-fastest qualifying time for Saturday night’s final.

By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK–March 26, 2026—Saturday night at Remington Park will showcase one of the premier programs of the season as the Challenge races headline an eleven-race card. Featured events include the Grade 2 $40,018 Q-Racing Video Distance Challenge Stakes and the Grade 2 $70,405 AQHA Racing Championship Challenge Stakes, drawing top-tier talent from across the country.

Race ten, scheduled for approximately 10:03 PM, will test stamina and precision at the demanding 870-yard distance in the G2 Q-Racing Video Distance Challenge Stakes. Eight accomplished distance runners will line up, each bringing proven credentials to the gate.

Defending champion O Donovan Rossa returns from post eight looking to repeat his 2025 victory, where he prevailed by a half-length. The veteran gelding followed that effort with a consistent campaign that included three runner-up finishes and another graded stakes placing. He has already made an impact in 2026, winning his trial to secure the second-fastest qualifying time. With fourteen career victories and $410,577 in earnings, his experience at the distance makes him a major contender.

The eight-year-old gelding is by Apollitical Jess and out of Shanachee by Country Chicks Man. Bred in Oklahoma by owner J. Garvan Kelly, he races for Kelly Yother Equine, LLC. Trainer Dee Keener will saddle him with jockey Roman Cruz aboard, aiming to secure position early and control the pace throughout the race.

The fastest qualifier, Handin Out Candy, enters in top form after a strong showing in the trials. The seven-year-old gelding shipped from New Mexico and won his heat by one and a half lengths. His 2025 season was especially productive, winning six of seven starts, including the G2 The Downs at Albuquerque Distance Challenge, the G1 AQHA Distance Championship, and the G2 King Rick Rack Stakes. With ten career wins and $305,581 in earnings, he brings both speed and consistency into the final.

Handin Out Candy is sired by Jess Good Candy and out of Ole Auntie Em by Dash Ta Fame. Bred in Alabama by Paris Wixon, he races for owner Emilio Perez, who purchased him for $20,000 at the Heritage Place Sale. Trainer Paul Sedillo will saddle him from post three with regular rider Omar Iturralde.

The field is stacked with seasoned distance specialists, setting up a competitive race where positioning and endurance will be key factors over the 870-yard trip.

The eleventh race, set for approximately 10:30 PM, will feature the G2 AQHA Racing Championship Challenge Stakes at 440 yards. This race carries significant weight, as it often helps define the top horses in the country.

Cowboy Gun Z leads the field as the 6-5 morning line favorite from post ten. The five-year-old gelding has established himself among the sport’s elite with two Grade 1 victories, including the prestigious G1 All American Futurity, and a win in the G1 Refrigerator Championship Stakes to close out last season. With six career wins and earnings of $1,670,517, he enters with strong credentials.

He is by Flying Cowboy 123 and out of Cf Smokin Gun by Tres Seis. Bred in Oklahoma by Running C Ranch, LLC, he races for West Texas Racing Partners, who purchased him for $125,000 at the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale. Trainer Justin W. Joiner will saddle him with Francisco Calderon aboard.

Scoops Dynasty enters as a key contender at 5-1 odds. The AQHA Supreme Race Horse has won eleven races and earned $824,562. With a new team in place, including trainer Dean Frey and jockey Cody Smith, he brings both experience and potential into the race and could be poised for a strong performance.

Scoops Dynasty is by FDD Dynasty and out of Bye Sweet Girl by Dashin Bye. Bred in Idaho by Edward J. and Von Zae McNelis, he races for owner Edward J. McNeilis and will break from post six.

With ten accomplished runners set to compete, the 440-yard Championship Challenge Stakes promises a competitive finish to the evening. Saturday night at Remington Park offers a strong lineup of proven stakes performers and emerging contenders, making it a key night in the early season for Quarter Horse racing.

The races at Remington Park can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

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