Q-RACING—OCTOBER 23, 2021—Danjer, last year's champion aged horse and the 6-5 favorite, dominated his competition in Saturday's Grade 1, $266,250 Bank of America Challenge Championship at Albuquerque Downs.

Racing for Downtime Enterprises LLC, Billy G. Smith, and trainer Dean Frey, Danjer defeated 9-5 second choice Mi Amor Secreto by a clear two lengths while covering 440 yards in :20.732, a clocking that was aided by a reported 8-mph tail wind. Cody Smith rode the 5-year-old gelded son of world champion sire FDD Dynasty.

Danjer was bred in Oklahoma by Dean Frey, and the gelding ended his championship campaign with a head victory over Mi Amor Secreto in last year's Bank of America Challenge Championship. Raced in four states, including Oklahoma, Danjer has won 14 of 25 starts -- including 10 of 16 at the 440-yard distance -- and the $122,475 winner's share of the purse from his ninth career stakes victory boosted his earnings to $1,367,302.

Raced in four states, including Oklahoma, Danjer has won 14 of 25 starts -- including 10 of 16 at the 440-yard distance -- and the $122,475 winner's share of the purse from his ninth career stakes victory boosted his earnings to $1,367,302.

Danjer's five lifetime Grade 1 wins include the May 29, $320,000 Debbie Schauf Remington Invitational Championship at Remington Park, and the September 6, $200,000 All American Gold Cup at Ruidoso Downs.

Runner-up Mi Amor Secreto picked up $53,250 to increase his lifetime mark to $731,770. Santos Carrizales, Jr. conditions the multiple graded stakes winning son of The Louisiana Cartel for owner Carol Ann Mays. Juan Pulido had the riding call aboard the Texas-bred from the Feature Mr Jess mare Streak In Secret. Kelly Heltzle is the breeder.

Multiple graded winner Perrys Double Down was a nose back in third to earn $26,625 for owner Stinebaugh Equine Enterprises LLC. John Stinebaugh trains the 4-year-old son of Mr Jess Perry from the Fishers Dash mare Double Down Darling. Francisco Calderon rode the Bob and Jerry Gaston Texas-bed earner of $350,096.

TLC Signature, DF Storm Tales, Senor Frogs, Juice Is Loose, Tempting Violet and Sables Dashin completed the order of finish.

Valiant Tiberias was listed by the Equibase chart as a veterinarian scratch.

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Look for complete coverage of the Bank of America Challenge Championships at AQHA's website and on racing social media.