APOLLITICAL HERO PULLS OFF MINOR UPSET IN FEATURED ALLOWANCE RACE OVER ODDS-ON FAVORITE, AINT WORKING

Aint Working had run second in the $233,000 Oklahoma Derby last year at Remington Park, beaten only a half-length by one of the toughest 3-year-olds on the grounds, Love Is Everything V.

Consequently, Aint Working was sent off in a $26,250 allowance race for non-winners of two as the 4-5 wagering favorite on Friday night at Remington Park. That status didn’t matter to second favorite Apollitical Hero (5-2 odds) as he took charge from the start of the 330-yard race and held on by a head to win. Aint Working could do no better than sixth in a disappointing effort.

The winner of Friday’s feature, a 3-year-old gelding by Apollitical Jess, out of the Valiant Hero mare Belle of Valor, Apollitical Hero stormed home to a win in :16.728 over a fast track, good enough for a 91-speed index. Jerry James RF, a longshot at 10-1 odds, finished second, a head back, also with a 91-speed index. Another head back in the blanket finish, running third was MH Apollitical Spy (9-2).

Berkley Packer rode Apollitical Hero for trainer Jason Olmstead and owner Tom Maher, Paul Luedemann and Dick Tobin of Pierre, S.D. The gelding paid $7.60, $4.40 and $3.60 across the board to win, place and show.

Apollitical Hero improved his record to seven starts, two wins, and one second for $21,893 in earnings. He earned $15,238 for the Friday night win. The gelding was bred in Oklahoma by Canadian River QH.

Crawford Triples
Friday was a big night for trainer Clint Crawford of Sallisaw, Okla., scoring a training triple with winners in races two, six and nine. His horses that hit the wire in front were Painted Snowclouds ($5.60 to win), Wicked Sweet Z ($12.80) and Peves Ima Eagle Too ($14.40), respectively. All three of his winners won for the first time in their careers.

Remington Park racing continues Saturday and Sunday, March 13-14, with the first race nightly at 6pm-Central.

Tracked by more than 165,000 fans on Facebook and 10,400 Twitter followers, Remington Park has provided more than $258 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, Remington Park is open daily for casino gaming and simulcast horse racing. The 2021 American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa Season continues through May 29. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.

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