Presido Pete returns to Arapahoe Park as the 2-1 morning-line favorite in Saturday's $15,000 Pen Pal Stakes.

© Coady Media

By Louanne Wainscott, StallioneSearch

AURORA, CO–JUNE 11, 2026–Arapahoe Park will host an exciting afternoon of Quarter Horse racing on Saturday, with a seven-race card taking center stage and a 1:00 p.m. first post. The action builds throughout the day toward the featured event, the $15,000 Pen Pal Stakes, in the program's seventh and final race, where a talented field of nine runners aged three and up will battle over 350 yards.

Leading the field is Presido Pete, the 2-1 morning-line favorite and one of Colorado's most accomplished Quarter Horses. The five-year-old gelding returns to familiar surroundings after three tough starts in the 2026 season. Despite facing strong opposition, he has remained competitive, with solid efforts in two stakes races and a fourth-place finish against allowance company.

A return to Arapahoe Park could offer Presido Pete the ideal chance to rediscover the form that made him one of the track's stars in 2025. Last year, he was flawless in three appearances at the Colorado oval, winning the Dolls Prodigy Stakes, Leo Beau Dash Stakes, and Rocky Mountain Championship, and establishing himself as one of the state's premier sprinters.

The homebred runner has won nine races in his career and earned $136,438 for owner-breeder Francisco J. Cornejo. Sired by The Marfa Lights and out of the Wave Carver mare Tahita Wave, Presido Pete enters Saturday's feature with the goal of adding another chapter to his impressive Arapahoe Park resume. Trainer Haley N. Hobbs has him set to break from post three, with Fernando Fonseca-Soto in the saddle, as they seek another stakes victory together.

Among the leading challengers is Skindatsmokewagon, listed at 3-1 on the morning line. The five-year-old gelding will make his first start of 2026 after extensive preparation, including workouts at multiple racetracks, as his connections have specifically targeted this stakes engagement.

Owned by Ray Collins, who purchased the gelding for $20,000 at the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale, Skindatsmokewagon has earned $44,595 and recorded three career victories. The son of Kvn Corona, out of the Royal Quick Dash mare Ab What a Runner, brings proven talent and fresh legs to the Pen Pal Stakes, making him a formidable threat in his seasonal debut.

Bred in Idaho by Bryon L. Goody, Skindatsmokewagon is trained by Karina Gonzalez and will leave from post eight with jockey Roberto Valero. If his preparation translates to the afternoon stage, he could prove difficult to hold off in the stretch.

The rest of the field adds depth and intrigue to the Pen Pal Stakes, ensuring a competitive conclusion to the afternoon's racing program. With a returning local star, a fresh challenger poised for a strong comeback, and several capable contenders ready to seize the spotlight, the final race promises an exciting finish to the day.

As the gates open for the Pen Pal Stakes, fans and bettors will see a field loaded with experience, speed, and determination, setting the stage for a memorable finale at Arapahoe Park.

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

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