The Friendly Fire Surges Late to Capture $59,765 Alberta Bred Futurity (RG3) at Century Downs

The Friendly Fire delivered a powerful late surge Saturday afternoon at Century Downs to capture the $59,765 (CAN) Alberta Bred Futurity (RG3), defeating First Flash the Moon by a half-length in the 350-yard championship for accredited Alberta-bred 2-year-old Quarter Horses.

The 2-year-old bay gelding, sent off as the heavy 1-2 favorite, stopped the clock in 17.612 seconds, earning a 104 speed index over a fast racing surface. The victory was worth $27,059 (US$19,321) and marked his first career stakes triumph.

Ridden by Ricardo Moreno for trainer William H. Leech, The Friendly Fire broke from post five and raced third during the early stages as First Flash The Moon and Streakin Snow Wagon battled for the lead. Responding gamely to encouragement, the gelding accelerated through the closing yards to overtake the leaders and secure the half-length victory.

The Friendly Fire is a 2024 son of multiple stakes sire Cerveza Corona out of Getit Hot, by Walk Thru Fire. Bred in Alberta by Charles G. Stojan, he races for Jerry Stojan.

The victory improved his career record to two wins and one third from three starts, with earnings increasing to $35,915. He previously finished third in the Alberta Stallion Stakes Futurity and has now added a restricted Grade 3 futurity championship to his résumé.

First Flash The Moon turned in a determined effort to finish second, earning $12,122 (US$8,655). The 2-year-old filly showed early speed under jockey Miguel Angel Lopez, taking a narrow lead before being caught by the winner in the final strides. She finished one length ahead of Streakin Snow Wagon.

The daughter of Obsessed With Corona out of Yes Im First, by First Moonflash, was bred in Alberta by her owner-breeder, Ralph Danard. Craig Robert Smith trains the filly, who improved her career record to one win, two seconds, and three thirds from seven starts, with earnings of $34,297.

First Flash The Moon previously finished third in both the Canadian Cup Futurity (G3) and Sale Stakes Futurity, adding another graded stakes placing to her record Saturday.

Streakin Snow Wagon finished third, another length behind the runner-up, to earn $7,342 (US$5,242). The 2-year-old gelding broke sharply from the inside post and displayed early speed before being outfinished in the closing stages. He held third by a half-length over Babes Wagon.

Ridden by O. Amador Hernandez for trainer Buckey A. Stockwell, Streakin Snow Wagon is a son of multiple stakes sire Jd Wagon Boss out of Streaksnow, by Streakinisanattitude. He was bred in Alberta by K. Glenn Wills and races for his owner.

The third-place finish increased his career earnings to $19,934, with a record of no wins, one second, and three thirds from six starts. He previously finished fourth in both the Canadian Cup Futurity (G3) and Alberta Stallion Stakes Futurity.

Completing the field was Babes Wagon, Splashy Nightrider, Spittin Chiclets, and Shiny First Down.

The Alberta Bred Futurity carried a total purse of $59,765 (US$42,674) and was contested under cloudy skies with a temperature of 2 degrees Celsius. The track was rated fast, with no recorded wind.

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