OKLAHOMA CITY – Trainer Yareli Melendez only had one horse entered in Thursday’s races, but just like they say in the lottery, it only takes one ticket to hit the jackpot as the young conditioner won the first official horse race of her career with Whileubeengone.
It was the fourth race of the night and only Melendez’s fourth race of the Remington Park meet and fourth of her career, according to Equibase stats. After Whileubeengone crossed the finish line 1-1/2 lengths a winner against maidens, Melendez whooped it up in the winner’s circle with both arms extended to the skies. It was only fitting that Melendez was using the second youngest jockey on the grounds – Aram Martinez. Martinez was still attending high school last year while riding here. He was one of two jockeys who won twice on Thursday night, along with Francisco Calderon. One trainer had a racing double as well – Valerie Torres.
Prior to Thursday’s races, Melendez’s three starters had not run first, second or third and only earned $1,011. Her winning gelding on Thursday night, Whileubeengone, earned $10,500, exponentially boosting Melendez’s lifetime earnings. The gelding is owned by Kince Racing of Edmond, Okla. and is a 3-year-old by Flying Cowboy 123 from the FDD Dynasty broodmare Shez Exposed. He was bred in Texas by Paragon Farms.
The winner of the feature race, beating open $10,000 claimers was Anna Jess Chacha as the 6-year-old Oklahoma-bred mare won the 400-yard ninth race by a full length as the 5-2 second favorite on the toteboard. Jockey Javier Hernandez-Gallardo was given a leg up by Torres and he rode her mare to an easy win in :19.985 on the fast track for an 85 speed index. SR Fear the Storm, the 2-1 wagering favorite checked in second while Ivory Lips was third at 13-1 odds.
Anna Jess Chacha paid $7.20 to win, $3.40 to place and $2.60 to show. She is owned by Ezequiel Hernandez-Gallardo of Prairie Grove, Ark. The mare earned $12,025 for the victory and improved to 24 starts, four wins, six seconds and four thirds for a bankroll of $82,137. She was bred by Jimmy Leroy Sellers and is by Blanc Tambien from the Mount Blanc mare Anna Sellers.
The other victory on the night for Torres came with Hotwire Silos ($7.60 to win) in the eight race, a claiming event for Paints and Appaloosas. Hotwire Silos is a 4-year-old Paint gelding by MHM Hotwire from the Rare Form (qh) mare Miss Silos (qh).
Remington Park racing continues Friday with a first post time of 6pm-Central. Kentucky Derby wagering in advance will occur all day Friday at Remington Park in anticipation of Kentucky Derby simulcast Saturday, May 2.
Remington Park has provided more than $410 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. The $1,000,000 Heritage Place Futurity takes place on the final night of the spring season on Saturday, May 30. Remington Park presents year-round simulcast racing and casino gaming. Guests must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or to enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.
by Richard Linihan
