Classy Older Horses Tackle the Gridiron Gallop at Ajax Downs

70 Ranch Performance Horses recently shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of Shawne Bug Leo, a stallion whose influence will be felt for generations to come.

A son of Shawne Bug, Shawne Bug Leo carried forward a powerful lineage and left an enduring mark as both an athlete and sire. With only 664 foals registered, his impact was extraordinary, producing Champions across the country, including a two-time NFR qualifier and numerous winners in rodeo and futurity arenas. His progeny have earned more than $2.46 million, a true testament to the athleticism, heart, and consistency he passed on.

More than a producer of winners, Shawne Bug Leo was known for his strength, intelligence, and the kind, wise eyes that reflected his gentle nature. He was a horse whose quiet presence spoke volumes.

While he may have left this world, his story continues. 70 Ranch Performance Horses has shared that frozen semen will remain available, ensuring that Shawne Bug Leo’s legacy, and the bloodlines he so proudly carried, will continue to shape the future of performance horses.

A first time stakes winner will be crowned in the running of the $30,000 Town Policy Handicap on Saturday night at Los Alamitos. Eight sophomores will compete in this 400-yard race and while no horse in the field has already won a stakes race, there are several Grade 1 stakes finalists in this event.

J. Francisco Diaz’s Cowboy Bolt is one of those with experience in Grade 1 stakes events. The gelding by Flying Cowboy 123 won his trial to the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity last December, an effort that earned him a spot in the meet’s richest race. After running in that Grade 1 futurity, the Lindolfo Diaz-trainee has made three appearances this season, his best effort being a fifth-place finish against Lethal Cowboy 123 in the Sgt Pepper Feature on August 23. 

Dunn Ranch LLC’s Firey Eagle is another one with Grade 1 experience after running in the Texas Classic Futurity, which was won by FDD Dreams in November 2024 at Lone Star Park. He picked up an allowance win here on September 27.

Juan Moya’s Nationalist competed in the Restricted Grade 1 Spencer Childers California Breeders Championship Handicap at 400 yards on July 26 and has since posted an allowance win at 350 yards and a second-place finish at 550 yards. 

Edward Melzer Revocable Trust’s Clareets Boy, who was second in the Sgt Pepper Feature, is among the others in this event. Astronomical 123, Gimy A Reason, Fourstreakingeagle and Autamatic will also race.

Owned and bred by Abel Flores and James Sills, the Grade 1 winner Shaken Goin On will headline a full field of 10 sophomore fillies in the running of the $30,000 Justanold Love Handicap at 350 yards on Saturday at Los Alamitos. The nine-race program will also feature the running of the $30,000 Town Policy Handicap for sophomores. The Justanold Love will is the ninth and final race on the card, while the Town Policy will wrap up the early Pick Four sequence in race number four.                                       

Shaken Goin On loves racing at Los Alamitos. The Oklahoma-bred filly by Freighttrain B has won three of her four starts in Southern California, including the Grade 1, $430,000 Los Alamitos Oaks. Her only loss here came in the Grade 1 Mildred Vessels Memorial Handicap when running third to another sophomore filly, the outstanding Hott Temptation. Facing mares, the two fillies finished first and third in the nation’s top race for distaffers. Hott Temptation will be in action in Sunday’s Grade 1 Los Alamitos Super Derby. Justine Klaiber will pilot the Eddie Willis-trained Shaken Goin On from post number two in the Justanold Love.                                              

Willis also trains Edward Melzer Revocable Trust’s Fairlea Flyin, who has won all three of her starts at Los Alamitos this season. The filly by Flying Cowboy 123 will be going after her fourth consecutive victory. Francisco Ramirez will ride from post six. Gentry Farms has two outstanding fillies in this race in All American Oaks and Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity finalist Ohana Spirit and the multiple graded stakes placed Beach Walk, who was third in both the Los Alamitos Oaks and Grade 2 Golden State Derby. Juan Aleman will saddle both Ohana Spirit, who’ll start from post nine, and Beach Walk, who has drawn the outside post 10. Heartlande, winner of the final Wild West Futurity in 2024, is among the other six in action.