© Dustin Orona Photography/Remington Park
OKLAHOMA CITY – As And Js (*Heritage Place Graduate) was the 5-2 favorite in last year’s Junos Request Stakes but missed victory by three-quarters of a length. This year, she made her backers proud, winning the Grade 2, $106,400 event at 6-1 odds.
The 5-year-old mare by Apollitical Jess, out of the Tres Seis mare Adolph Tres Knockout, As And Js broke fourth from the gate in the 400-yard race but it wasn’t long before she took over on the rail and cruised to the victory under jockey Agustin Silva. She won by a head over the fast closing Jess Adalida, who just nipped Curls Happy Wagon by a nose for second.
It was the first win in this stakes race for all connections of the horse – owner/trainer Leonard Alcala of Ft. Myers, Fla. His son, Leo, represented him in the winner’s circle, accepting the trophy.
“I’m happy for the team on the backside,” said Leo. “For my dad especially because he makes this all happen.”
The only thing that concerned Silva was that it was the 2019 debut for the winner.
“I was kind of nervous this being her first out of the year,” said Silva. “But turned out we were in front. She runs all she can and is very professional. Pretty nice mare. She gives her biggest performance every time, so I’m not sure this was her best.”
As And Js stopped the timer for the 400-yard-sprint in 19.620 seconds over a fast surface, earning a 93 speed index. She paid $15.20 to win, $8 to place, and $5.60 to show. She earned $64,422 from the purse for Alcala. Her record lifetime improved to 19 starts, seven wins, five seconds and two thirds with a bankroll of $451,264.
The Junos Request Stakes is for fillies and mares, 3 and older. The race is named for multiple Remington Park seasonal champion Junos Request who won the 1992 Remington Park Championship in a year where she was eventually voted the American Quarter Horse Association’s Champion Aged Mare.
Remington Park is always open for casino gaming. Simulcast horse racing is offered daily. Admission, parking and valet parking are always free at Remington Park. Guests must be 18 or older in order to wager on horse racing or to enter the casino.
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Tracked by more than 154,000 fans on Facebook and more than 9,900 Twitter followers, Remington Park has provided more than $218 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. The track is located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit remingtonpark.com.