JT IM THAT BOY PROVES BEST IS SAVED FOR LAST, POSTING FASTEST TRIAL TIME FOR REMINGTON PARK FUTURITY IN FINAL RACE OF NIGHT
JT Im That Boy proved he was exactly that as the 2-year-old colt posted the fastest time of the night in the 10th and final trial for the $804,150 Remington Park Futurity that will be run Saturday, April 22.
JT Im That Boy showed signs of the kind of talent his sire (dad), TF Im That Guy, had. The fastest qualifier from Friday night hit the wire three-quarters of a length in front for the 330-yard run in a time of :17.020 over a fast track, earning a speed index of 84. Thursday’s fastest qualifier was JB Kool Jess, who finished in :16.613 with a 96 speed index. Both nights had a slight crosswind.
It was the first official win of JT Im That Boy’s career in his first start and he brought to mind memories of the 2015 All American Futurity. His sire, TF Im That Guy, ran a close third to the winner that year, Jess Good Candy. TF Im That Guy finished third, a length and a neck behind. He went on to win $698,144 in his career, visiting the winner’s circle six times in 24 starts. He was a horse that raced primarily in New Mexico. His biggest win came in the Grade 1, $350,000 Championship at Sunland Park Stakes on New Year’s Eve on 2017.
The win by jockey Roman Cruz aboard JT Im That Boy was his 14th of the meet and he moved one in front of Juan Pulido and Edwin Escobedo at 13 apiece in the tight battle. Last year’s leading rider, Francisco Calderon, had a win Friday night to move into sole possession of fourth place with 10 wins. Three-time AQHA Champion Jockey James Flores is in fifth at nine victories.
JT Im That Boy was sent off as the 9-5 favorite for trainer Jeffrey Tyer and owner Juanita Tyer of Oaks, Okla., and earned $8,838 for the colt’s career debut.
JT Im That Boy is out of the Dashin Chico broodmare Sweet Chico and was bred in Oklahoma by his owner.
The five fastest qualifiers from Friday night join the five fastest from Thursday night’s 10 trials for a run in the restricted Grade 1 Remington Park Futurity final. The race is restricted to Oklahoma-bred 2-year-old American Quarter Horses.
The following were the five fastest qualifiers with times from Friday, speed index, race number, jockey and trainer:
1) JT Im That Boy, :17.020, 84, trial 10, Roman Cruz, Jeffrey Tyer
2) Acapulco Bay, :17.075, 82, trial two Justine Klaiber, Eddie Willis
3) KG See If I Care, :17.098, 81, trial one, Cody Wainscott, Kasey Willis
4) Ace Hygh, :17.110, 81, trial nine, Raul Valenzuela, Cody Noel
5) Especially Good Candy, :17.119, 81, trial one, Ricky Ramirez, Trey Wood
This second bunch are the five fastest from Thursday’s trials and they will join as the final 10 for the finals
1) JB Kool Jess, :16.613, 96, trial one, Gaspar Garcia, Raul Rodriguez
2) As Moonflash, :16.750, 92, trial 10, Jesus Salazar, Cristian Alcala
3) Dark Nme, :16.859, 89, trial nine, Francisco Ramirez, Jr., Santos Carrizales
4) Hamlyn, :16.888, 88, trial three, Edwin Escobedo, Jason Olmstead
5) MH Tres Bird, :16.890, 88, trial 10, Jimmy Brooks, Eddie Willis
Live racing continues Saturday night with 12 races starting at 6 p.m. There is no racing on Easter Sunday.
Tracked by more than 174,000 fans on Facebook and 10,700 Twitter followers, Remington Park has provided more than $317 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 features the 2023 American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa season through June 3. Remington Park presents simulcast racing daily and non-stop casino gaming. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.
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