Jess A Lil Whiskey Holds On To Win $194,525 Jim Bader Futurity

Fastest qualifier Jess A Lil Whiskey held off a determined late run from Honey D to capture the $194,525 Jim Bader Futurity on Saturday at Prairie Meadows.

Ridden by Angel Ramirez, Jess A Lil Whiskey broke sharply and led throughout the 350-yard final, holding on by a neck in :18.205 over a muddy track.

Trained by Tony Dean Jones for owners Jose Antonio Villegas and Jim Kobett, Jess A Lil Whiskey was bred by HK Performance Horses. The gelding is by Flying Cowboy 123, out of the Valiant Hero mare Jess Valiant.

After finishing second in the Hawkeye Futurity earlier this season, Jess A Lil Whiskey has now won four consecutive races. The $87,536 winner's share improved his record to four wins and one second from five starts, with earnings of $132,644.

Honey D rallied from off the pace to finish second under Giovany Estrada for owner and breeder David Morehead and trainer Manuel Campos. The filly is by Uncle D, out of the Gol mare Gols Honey Money Pop. She now has a record of one win and two seconds from four starts, with earnings of $45,252.

Jess Wagon My Lips initially crossed the wire third but was disqualified and placed ninth after a stewards' inquiry determined he drifted in and bumped rivals. The disqualification elevated Montee Love to third.

Ridden by Francisco Calderon, Montee Love races for owner Judd Bergfeld and trainer Fernando Manriquez. Bred by Paul Tonderum, the filly is by Corona Cartel, out of the Apollitical Jess mare Miss Jessita. She now has a record of two seconds and two thirds from four starts, with earnings of $27,522.

Thewayperrywantstoo, Uncle Rudy, High Flying Shake Ia and Flying Copy Cat completed the official finishers, while Jess Wagon My Lips was placed ninth. Streakin Kmh fell after the start and did not finish, while Reds Lil Runner was scratched.

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