Jc Speeding, a Grade 1-placed dual-registered colt trained by Dee Keener, headlines the third trial of the Grade 2 Heritage Place Derby Trials at Remington Park Saturday night.

© Dustin Orona Photography

By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott
 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK–May 7, 2026—The Saturday night spotlight at Remington Park shines brightly on the 43rd running of the Grade 2 $335,800 Heritage Place Derby Trials, as sixty-three talented sophomores prepare to battle throughout seven trial heats for a coveted spot in the finals on the closing night of the Remington Park season.

Races five through eleven will feature the 400-yard trial heats beginning at approximately 7:48 PM, with only the ten fastest qualifiers earning the opportunity to return for the rich Grade 2 finale. The evening promises championship-caliber performances as some of the nation’s top three-year-olds step onto one of Quarter Horse racing’s biggest stages.

One of the marquee contenders of the night comes in the seventh race and third trial heat, where Jc Speeding looks poised to launch a major derby campaign. The dual-registered colt enters as the 7-5 morning line favorite after narrowly missing victory by a nose when runner-up in the Grade 1 $218,000 Remington Park Oklahoma-Bred Derby on April 18th. The talented colt has already banked $308,742 for owners Planefun Racing, LLC.

Sired by Chilitos out of the High Rate of Return mare High Speed Kitty, Jc Speeding was bred in Oklahoma by Richard Joneson. Leading trainer Dee Keener sends out the colt from post eight with meet-leading rider James A. Flores retaining the mount.

The ninth race and fifth trial may feature the most accomplished runner of the evening in Effortless Favorite, last season’s dead-heat winner of the Grade 1 Heritage Place Futurity. The standout gelding has been nearly flawless throughout his career, finishing on the board in all nine starts while capturing seven victories. He comes into the trials in sharp form after winning an allowance event on March 28th by a length.

The Oklahoma-bred son of Favorite Cartel out of the Corona Cartel mare Swingin Cartel was bred by Wallace Johnson and races for owners Tom Maher, Dick Tobin, and Bill Maher. Purchased for $67,000 at the Heritage Place Yearling Sale, Effortless Favorite has developed into a major star with career earnings totaling $541,048. Trainer Jason Olmstead will saddle the gelding from post two with regular rider Francisco R. Ramirez, Jr. aboard as they look to secure another trip to the Heritage Place Derby finals.

Saturday’s program at Remington Park features a full 12-race card, with first post at 6:00 PM. By the end of the night, only ten sophomores will have punched their ticket into the Grade 2 Heritage Place Derby finals, setting up a thrilling championship showdown on the final night of the season.

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.