AUBURN, WA—AUGUST 22, 2021—Fastest qualifier Apolinaria Prize romped to a two-length win in the $51,519 John Deere Emerald Downs Juvenile Challenge on Sunday.

Under jockey Cesar Moreno, the 2-year-old daughter of multiple stakes sire Fast Prize Cartel, completed the 350 yards in :18.351 seconds into an 8 mph crosswind. It was the third win in five starts for the bay filly and the $24,214 Juvenile winner's purse boosted her bankroll to $39,014.

Trainer Jose Gomez conditions the California-bred filly for owner Juan Manuel Marquez. Bred by EG High Desert Farms, Apolinaria Prize was a $7,500 repurchase at the 2020 Los Alamitos Equine Sale. She is out of the Finding Nemo mare Ss Calendar Girl.

Apolinaria Prize was third earlier this season in the $90,000 Firecracker Futurity at Grants Pass Downs. With today's victory the bay filly punched her ticket for the $125,000-est. John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship(G2) to be contested during the AQHA Bank of America Racing Challenge Championships at The Downs at Albuquerque on October 27th

Leaving Angelz broke and bumped at the start but managed to pick up $10,304 for finishing second. Hector Magallanes trains the Coronas Leaving You gelding for owner-breeder Ruben Magallanes. Jaime Lopez was riding the Oregon bred out of Angel Eyez by FDD Dynasty. Winner of the Firecracker Juvenile in July, Leaving Angelz has earned $23,104 in five starts.

Even throughout, Empowered To Prosper finished a neck back to earn $5,152 for third. Mark Hanson trains the Kiss My Hocks gelding for owner RTM Stables LLC. Richard and Janelle Simon bred the gelding in Louisiana from the Mr Jess Perry mare Shakemupperry. Nakia Ramirez was riding. He has earned $15,395 in six outs.

Eagle Assault, Sonoras Death Row, Cm Rosie At The Bar, Uncle Shine and Like Da Boss completed the field.