OKLAHOMA CITY – Hard to Politic and Hooked N Gone battled for favoritism in the Mr Jet Moore Stakes and then the former won the war with ease, blowing away a strong field of black-type horses on Saturday night at Remington Park.
Leading rider Juan Pulido was aboard Hard to Politic, bursting from the gate like a bullet and winning by 1-1/2 lengths over the Hooked N Gone. Both horses went off at 3-2 odds, but Hard to Politic had slightly more dollars wagered on him by post-time.
“This was the one I was waiting for,” Pulido said. “I knew he needed an out (when he ran second in the Mighty Deck Three Stakes on March 8 this meet). This time he didn’t miss a shot. The way he broke (from the gate), I knew we were good.”
It was the second win in this stakes series for Pulido, who scored on Hooked On A Win in 2020. Owner-trainer Samuel Mendoza enjoyed his first win in the Mr Jet Moore. Mendoza explained why Hard to Politic had only raced once during 2025.
“He had an injury and we had to give him some time off,” Mendoza said. “He was nice at 2 years old, so that’s why we had our eye on him.”
Hard to Politic had run second, beaten only a head in the Grade 1, $912,000 Texas Classic Futurity, as a juvenile, on Nov. 16, 2024 at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas. He also had won the $100,000 Rainbow Juvenile Stakes at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico on July 14 of that same year.
Running time for the 350 yards was :17.246 over the fast track as the 4-year-old gelding earned a blazing speed index of 101. Hard to Politic was bred by Louis A. Malachek III. The winner improved his record to eight starts, four wins and three seconds and a bankroll of $329,208. He paid $5 to win, $2.80 to place and $2.40 to show.
Hooked N Gone did check in second, a neck ahead of third-place finisher Apolitical Time (11-1). The rest of the order of finish was Curls Magic Wagon (4-1) fourth, Mystic Paint (15-1) fifth, Imaginacion (18-1) sixth, Wyn Or Lews (24-1) seventh and Hes Cubas B (47-1) eighth. Venetian Cowgirl was a scratch from the race.
The Mr Jet Moore, a restricted Grade 2 for Oklahoma-breds, 3 and older, is named for the 1972 American Quarter Horse Association World Champion who was also the victor of the very first Champion of Champions. He was campaigned by Bob Moore of Norman, Okla.
Remington Park racing will be off for Easter Sunday, April 5. Action resumes April 9-12 with the first race nightly at 6pm and Sunday action at 4pm. All times are Central.
Remington Park has provided more than $408 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 2026 Remington Park Futurity, the richest race of the season for Oklahoma-breds, takes place on Saturday, April 18. 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
