OKLAHOMA CITY – Remington Park conducted 15 trials Saturday night to determine the qualifiers for the Grade 2, $358,500 Oklahoma Futurity on March 17. Midnight Sunlight put up the top time in the second trial of the night and it held on over the final 13 heats to give the 2-year-old fastest qualifier status into the historic race.
Owned by Brenda Reiswig of Bismarck, North Dakota and trained by Victor Hanson, Midnight Sunlight was ridden to victory by Stormy Smith, crossing the finish after 300 yards in :15.319 seconds over a fast track. A Texas-bred filly by Ivory James from the Royal Quick Dash mare Quick Moon Sign, Midnight Sunlight.
Midnight Sunlight used a quick start and never trailed, crossing the finish a length in front of Fit For Glory who would also qualify for the Oklahoma Futurity. Midnight Sunlight was bred in Texas by Bobby Cox.
The Oklahoma Futurity is American Quarter Horse racing’s oldest futurity, dating to 1947. The field for the 2012 edition, with trial times, includes: Midnight Sunlight, :15.319; Cocoa Cre’me, :15.442; Madresita, :15.471; Fit for Glory, :15.473, Hiclass Vodka, :15.500; BV Jesse James, :15.572; Dash For Coronas, :15.578; Teller Ima Rockstar, :15.581; Ernies Palace, :15.584 and JA Joanies Fly Boy, :15.612.
Jockeys Jimmy Brooks and Randy Wilson each posted riding triples on Saturday. The hat rick for Brooks moved him into a tie for the lead in the rider standings after two racing programs with Berkley Packer as each jockey has four wins.
Trainers Eddie Willis and Guillermo Valdivia both saddled three winners on Saturday. The Willis hat trick moves him to the front of the trainer standings after two dates with four wins.
The initial stakes race of the season will be offered on Sunday as the Grade 2, $50,000 Eastex Handicap is featured. Sunday racing will also include six trials to determine the field for the $135,000 Oklahoma Derby. The first Sunday afternoon racing program of the season will begin at 1:30 pm.