The spotlight will shine on Iowa's next generation of Quarter Horse talent Sunday afternoon at Prairie Meadows, as a talented group of Iowa-bred juveniles takes center stage in the Hawkeye Futurity Trials.

© Prairie Meadows

By Louanne Wainscott, StallioneSearch

ATLOONA, IA–JUNE 11, 2026–The spotlight will shine on Iowa's next generation of Quarter Horse talent Sunday afternoon at Prairie Meadows, as a talented group of Iowa-bred juveniles takes center stage in the Hawkeye Futurity Trials. The 10-race program begins at 4:00 p.m., with races two through four featuring three trial heats that will determine the finalists for the estimated $140,000 Hawkeye Futurity.

A total of 25 Iowa-bred two-year-olds will sprint 330 yards in pursuit of one of the ten coveted qualifying positions for the July 3 championship final. For many of these young runners, Sunday's trials offer an opportunity to take a major step forward in their careers and establish themselves among the state's elite juvenile prospects.

The opening trial, race two, features TS Cyber Flash as the 2-1 morning-line favorite. The gelding brings valuable experience and appears poised for a strong effort after a productive spring campaign. He broke his maiden impressively on April 9 before facing tougher competition in the Heritage Place Futurity Trials. Despite being bumped and unable to gain momentum, he still gained valuable seasoning against a talented field.

Since arriving at Prairie Meadows, TS Cyber Flash has continued to prepare sharply, including strong gate work designed specifically for Sunday's assignment. The Iowa homebred, owned and bred by Thomas J. Scheckel, carries the hopes of local supporters into the first trial heat.

Sired by Cyber Monday and out of the First Moonflash mare Stylish Flash, the gelding will break from post three under trainer Fernando Ivan Manriquez. Accomplished rider Francisco Calderon will have the call as they attempt to secure a spot in the lucrative Hawkeye Futurity Final.

The final trial of the afternoon could provide one of the most intriguing storylines, as Surely Not Me enters race four as the 5-2 morning-line favorite. Although the filly remains a maiden after two starts, her performances suggest a breakthrough could be right around the corner.

Competing at Remington Park against maiden company, Surely Not Me finished on the board in both starts, showing consistency and determination while gaining valuable racing experience. Drawing the outside post on Sunday may prove advantageous as she looks to take another step forward and potentially earn both her first victory and a berth in the Hawkeye Futurity Final.

The Iowa homebred filly is owned by the partnership of Jason L. Olmstead and Richard L. Tobin. Sired by FDD Dynasty and out of the Corona Cartel mare Noteworthee, she is part of a family operation, adding an extra layer of excitement. Trainer Jason Olmstead will saddle the filly and leg up his son, Ryder Olmstead, creating a memorable family connection as they pursue a place in one of Iowa's premier juvenile events.

With futures on the line and a championship berth at stake, Sunday's Hawkeye Futurity Trials promise to showcase the depth and quality of Iowa's breeding program. Every break from the gate and every stride to the wire will matter as these 25 Iowa-bred juveniles strive to prove they belong among the elite ten who will return on July 3 to compete for Hawkeye Futurity glory. As the afternoon unfolds at Prairie Meadows, the next stars of Iowa Quarter Horse racing may well announce themselves on the road to one of the state's most prestigious finals.

The races at Prairie Meadows can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

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