Junger Stablemates Dead-Heat in Grade 2 $177,300 Dash For Cash Derby
GRAND PRAIRIE, TX–OCTOBER 5, 2024–Stablemates Relentless Eagle and Asscher provided an exciting finishing to the $177,300 Dash For Cash Derby(G2) on Saturday night as they hit the wire simultaneously at Lone Star Park.
A wall of horses was descending on the finish line, but the two stablemates proved they would not give up by completing the classic 440-yard distance in 21.372, equaling a 96-speed index. The pair earned $50,530 each for their effort.
Jockey Christian Ramos qualified both horses to the final in the September 13 Dash For Cash Derby trials for trainer Marc Junger. The jockey chose to ride Relentless Eagle back in the final.
The son of leading sire Hes Relentless was making only his second start of the year following a layoff after qualifying for the Texas Classic Futurity(G1) and Ruidoso QH Futurity(G1) last year.
Owned by Lance Bland, Relentless Eagle got his first career stakes win and used his winner's purse to increase his bankroll to $159,575. George Mitchell II bred the bay gelding in Oklahoma from the Volcom mare Volcoms Delight.
Asscher, a Grade 1 stakes winner, was reluctant at the gate before the race but got settled once she was in under jockey Noe Garcia, Jr. Gracia said she stumbled initially, but he picked her up quickly and went for the lead.
Jungers trains the FDD Dynasty filly for owners Lance Bland and Jimmy Barton. A winner of four of eight starts this year, she won the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Oaks in March and was second in the Rainbow QH Oak(G1) in July. She has earned $370,420.
MJ Farms bred the filly in New Mexico from the champion Jessie James Jr mare Astica.
Post-time favorite Hoztile Takeover settled for third, a neck back in the blanket finish under jockey Victor Urieta, Jr. Juan Diaz, Jr. trains the son of multiple stakes sire One Sweet Jess for owners Amanda StAmant and Luis Armando Castellanos.
The multiple-stakes winner picked up $17,730 to increase his earnings total to $353,224. Roland Frederick and Triple Lynn Farms bred the gelding in Louisiana from the Identity Theft mare Ms Pilot Id.
The Knockout Power, Jaegar, Kvn Is Sweet, Shiny Nova, Woopaa, and Military Time completed the field. Seisponte was scratched.
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About Lone Star Park
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie is 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 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 seven days a week year.
The 2024 Fall Meeting of Champions, featuring American Quarter Horses, runs September 6 through November 16. Live racing on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. (CT); the first post is at 6:05 p.m. Breeders' Cup Saturday, November 5. Gates open at 10:30 a.m., the first live race is at 6:05 p.m.