First Speeding Bullet Breaks Maiden In $24,500 Cricket Bars Appaloosa Futurity

First Speeding Bullet picked an ideal spot to earn her first career victory Monday afternoon, drawing away to an impressive 2 3/4-length score in the $24,500 Cricket Bars Appaloosa Futurity at Will Rogers Downs.

Sent off as the 1.40-1 favorite under jockey Roman Cruz, First Speeding Bullet took command early and widened her advantage through the stretch to complete the 350 yards in :18.035, earning an 81 speed index over a fast racing surface. An 11 mph crosswind was reported for the race.

First Speeding Bullet earned $14,552 for owners Racin RNS and Adriana Ruiz. Jesus Ruben Ruiz trains the 2-year-old dark bay or brown filly, who was bred in Oklahoma by Michael Moss. She is by Hes Bulletproof from Allies Apollo, by Apollo.

The victory improved First Speeding Bullet's career record to six starts with one win, two seconds, and two thirds and earnings of $26,126. She entered Monday's final after finishing second in the Remington Park Appaloosa Futurity earlier this season.

Jess Say Bye overcame a troubled start to finish second, 2 3/4 lengths behind the winner, earning $5,184 for owner and breeder Jeff Adams. The filly bobbled at the break and encountered traffic before rallying between horses late to get up by a head for the runner-up position.

Dee Keener trains Jess Say Bye, who was ridden by Ramiro Haro Garcia. The Oklahoma-bred daughter of Capo de Capi is out of Jess Cuz, by Freighttrain B. With Monday's effort, Jess Say Bye has now earned $10,277 from three starts with one win and one second. She was also a finalist in the Remington Park Appaloosa Futurity.

Union Willy finished another head back in third and collected $2,438 for owner and breeder Pete Crane. Trained by Dee Keener and ridden by Bryan Ernst, the 2-year-old gelding chased the winner through mid-stretch before being outkicked for second.

Union Willy is by first-crop Quarter Horse sire El Camino Cl from Desert Empress, by Divo. Monday's third-place effort increased his career earnings to $5,038 from four starts, with one third-place finish. He was previously a finalist in the Remington Park Appaloosa Futurity.

The $24,500 race distributed $14,552 to the winner, $5,184 to second, and $2,438 to third.

Also-rans were Kembers Moon Pop and Knockouts Eyes, who dead-heated for fourth, followed by Missileer, Hearts of Jettastic, and Dashin Deacon.

Editor’s note: A photo of this race will be posted when it becomes available from the track photographer.

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

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