High On Cuervo Fights Back In Energy Downs' Campbell County Hook Stakes

GILLETTE, WY—JUNE 14, 2024—High On Cuervo held off a late charge from Rnc Cardshark Jones to get a nose victory in the $14,650 Campbell County Hook Stakes (not black type) at Energy Downs 307 Horse Racing.

Under jockey Shaunda Larsen High On Cuervo took a quick lead from the gate before giving it up to Messanger going into the turn. High On Cuervo retook the lead down the stretch but had to battle a fast-closing Rnc Cardshark Jones to get the win.

Trained by Travis Wheeler, High On Cuervo completed the 770 yards in 41.751 seconds, an 80-speed index into a 12 mph headwind.

A 5-year-old son of multiple stakes sire Highest Fire, racing for owner Kevin Roy Kravenbrink, High On Cuervo picked up his fifth career win from 42 starts.

Bred in Oregon by Joel Yarbor, from the Jess Cuervo mare One Shot Cuervo, High On Cuervo earned $7,325 to boost earnings to $74,498.

Pinched back at the start, Rnc Cardshark Jones earned $3,223 for third. Trainer Robert Don Johnson named jockey Justin Shepherd to ride the 6-year-old son of The Card Shark 229 for owners Jane and Jim Leatherberry. David Strain bred the graded stakes winner of $71,491 in Montana from the thoroughbred mare Dakota Jones by Seneca Jones.

Messanger was three-quarters back to pick up $1,758 for third. Jockey David Jimenez had the riding call for owner-breeder Jeff Ray. Clinton Dennis trains the son of leading sire Favorite Cartel from the Strawfly Special mare Cupids Special Fly. Bred in Oregon, Messanger has earned $36,150.

Unbowed, Roc Starr, More Firewater, and Wb Dashing Brat completed the field.