Marfason, under jockey Luis Valenzuela, sets the fastest qualifying time for the Grade 3 Q-Racing Video Wyoming Downs Distance Challenge on Thursday at Wyoming Downs.

© Coady Media

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

EVANSTON, WY—JULY 2, 2026—Marfason powered to the fastest qualifying time of the afternoon as three trials were contested Thursday for the $40,000-added Q-Racing Video Wyoming Downs Distance Challenge (G3), earning the top berth into the July 18 final at Wyoming Downs.

The AQHA Racing Challenge-enrolled runners covered 870 yards, with the three trial winners emerging as the top three qualifiers.

Ross Brown and Elsha McGarry's Marfason posted the quickest clocking of the day when the 5-year-old gelding stopped the timer in 45.288 while earning a 98 speed index in the second of three trials.

Ridden by Luis A. Valenzuela for co-owner-trainer Ross Brown, the son of multiple stakes sire The Marfa Lights out of Hr Excessive Ivory, by Ivory James, took command entering the turn and steadily widened his advantage to score by 4 1/4 lengths over Katies Boy Joe. Bred in Texas by Andy Knight, Marfason sold for $9,000 at the 2022 Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale.

A multiple stakes-placed runner, Marfason has won four of 17 career starts, earning $70,843. At 2, he was second in the Sweetwater Downs Futurity, and at 3, he placed third in the Wyoming Downs Derby.

The second-fastest qualifier was Cartel Can Fly, who wired the field in the third trial in 45.831, earning a 92 speed index. The 5-year-old gelding by leading sire Favorite Cartel out of Babe Can Fly, by Foose, races for breeder-owner David L. Wisdom and is trained by Robert Don Johnson.

Dakota Wood guided the North Dakota-bred to a 1 1/4-length victory after setting the pace throughout. Cartel Can Fly was offered at the 2022 Heritage Place Yearling Sale, where he was an RNA at $40,000.

He is a Grade 3-placed runner who has banked nearly $42,000 in 13 starts.  He entered the trials off a two-race win streak, including the United Tote Hook Overnight Stakes at Energy Downs 307 Horse Racing in his last start on May 29.

The opening trial produced the third-fastest qualifier as Jess No Secrets held off a determined challenge from Y O Zoomin Ollie to win by three-quarters of a length in 46.095, earning an 89 speed index.

The 7-year-old gelding, by All American Futurity winner No Secrets Here out of Jess Breeze, by Feature Mr Jess, is owned and bred by Ross V. Alire and trained by Rick E. Scudder. Luis A. Valenzuela was aboard as the veteran campaigner dueled for the lead before edging clear in the stretch.

The multiple stakes winner of nine races made his 2026 seasonal debut in the opening trial. Winner of last year's Wyoming Downs Distance Challenge, he has earned $92,861.

For the complete list of Q-Racing Video Wyoming Downs Distance Challenge qualifiers, times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys, CLICK HERE.

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