Rock A Jess V, under jockey Juan Pulido, defeats stablemates Turcotte (#10) and Fancy Scarface (#4) in the $1,209,173 Texas Classic Futurity(G1), Texas' richest horse race contested Saturday at Lone Star Park.

© Dustin Orona Photography

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX—NOVEMBER 19, 2022—After winning the Ruidoso QH Juvenile and the All American Juvenile(G3) at Ruidoso Downs last summer Rock A Jess V reeled in the big one on Saturday night when he won the $1,209,173 Grade 1 Texas Classic Futurity at Lone Star Park.

Under jockey Juan Pulido, who qualified four horses into Texas richest race ever, Rock A Jess V broke alertly and finished strong to defeat stablemate Turcotte by three-quarters.  Another stablemate Fancy Scarface finished a neck back in third.  All three horses are conditioned by trainer Santos Carrizales, Jr.

"All the horses I rode in trials were very good and I had a difficult choice to make. I think after tonight I know I made the right choice!," Pulido said following the win.

Rock A Jess V completed the 400 yard course in :19.500, equaling a 101 speed index over a fast racing surface.

A Oklahoma homebred racing for owner-breeder Valeriano Racing Stables, LLC, Rock A Jess V has won five of nine starts this year and the $538,082 Texas Classic winners' purse boosted his bankroll to $675,823. The gelded son of leading sire Apollitical Jess is out of Rock Candy SA a daughter of Good Reason SA.

"He had a very good season at Ruidoso and after his win in the All American Juvenile, we knew we wanted to run him in Texas," owner Sammy Valerinao said. "We will point him to the derby season at Ruidoso and of course bring him back for the Texas classic derby next year."

The winning connections of Rock A Jess V accept the
Texas Classic Futurity stakes trophy at Lone Star Park.
© Dustin Orona Photography

Making his first start as a gelding, Josefina Guzman's Turcotte finished second to earn $266,019. The son multiple stakes sire Ivory James was also a finalist in the million-dollar Heritage Place Futurity(G1) at Remington Park last May.

AQHA Champion breeder Bobby D. Cox bred the $75,000 TQHA Yearling Sale graduate in Texas from the Mr Jess Perry mare Jess Significant. Turcotte has won three of seven starts this season and banked $317,624. Bryan Candanosa was riding.

Barboza Racing Corp's Fancy Scarface earned $133,009 for third. Also a finalist in the Heritage Place Futurity(G1) and the Oklahoma Futurity(G2) earlier this year, the son of first-crop sire Pyc Fun N Fancy was banked $208,936 in six starts. Rito Sosa bred the gelding in Oklahoma from the Walk Thru Fire mare Dolls In Fire. Everardo Rodriguez had the riding assignment.

Completing the Texas Classic Futurity(G1) field were Dena Marie, Orbyson, One Perfect Lady, Doin It Just For Fun, Curls Joyful Wagon, A Lucky Ladie and Legacy Cartel.

There were 3,923 in attendance for the card. Total handle was $865,555. Racing resumes at Lone Star Park at 6:05 p.m. on Saturday, November 26.

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

About Lone Star Park
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie; A major league sports entertainment attraction that features two exciting racing seasons annually. Over 700,000 guests visit our beautiful facility each year, which features a seven-level glass-enclosed Grandstand, highlighted by our 1,200-seat Silks Dining Room and our 48 luxurious Penthouse Suites, all overlooking the newest race track in Texas. Situated next to our Grandstand is the 36,000 square foot world-class Las Vegas-style Racebook and simulcast facility, Bar & Book, which features wagering on horse racing from around the world 7-days a week year-round.

Lone Star Park is located on Beltline Road, just ½ mile north of I-30 in Grand Prairie, Texas. Visit LoneStarPark.com for more information.