NEAR DERBY WINNER, BELIEVE IN PERRY, WINS THIRD RACE IN FIVE TRIES AT REMINGTON, TAKING THURSDAY FEATURE

The Lip Chip Trainer and Jockey of the Week, John Stinebaugh and Ali Rivera, have picked up where they left off from last week. That combo joined forces again Thursday night at Remington Park, winning the featured allowance race with the near-winner of last year’s Heritage Place Derby here, Believe in Perry.

Now a 4-year-old Texas-bred gelding by Mr Jess Perry, out of the Valiant Hero mare Believe Me Irene, Believe in Perry was sent off at 5-1 odds in last year’s Heritage Place Derby and finished a strong closing third, losing only by a neck behind SC Time to Run and Dollar Bill. On Thursday night, the level of competition came down a notch in a second-level allowance race, restricted to 3-year-olds-and-older colts and geldings. They were going 350 yards and Rivera popped Believe in Perry out of the gate like his feet were on fire and no one could challenge him. The winner drew away to win by a half-length in a time of :17.565 over the fast surface, earning a speed index of 91 as the 4-5 odds-on betting favorite.

It was the third time Believe in Perry had made a trip to the Remington Park winner’s circle in five tries here. He was a half-length better than runner-up Designated Eagle (9-2) and another nose ahead of third-place runner Shein On (6-1). Believe in Perry, bred by Gary and/or Linda Gordon, collected $14,490 from this allowance purse of $27,930. He improved his lifetime marks to 15 starts, four wins, one second and three thirds for a bankroll of $79,212. His owners – Henry E. and Mimi Brown of Scottsdale, Ariz. – paid $95,000 for him at the 2022 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale in New Mexico.

Believe in Perry has been so close to hitting that big score throughout his career. Not only did he run third in the Heritage Place Derby final, but he also showed promise as a 2-year-old when he won his All American Futurity trial at Ruidoso Downs, N.M. in 2023 by a full length. He did not qualify for that $3 million final, however, and ran fourth in the All American Juvenile.

As the heavy favorite Thursday, Believe in Perry paid $3.80 to win, $2.60 to place and $2.20 to show.

Stinebaugh and Rivera pulled off the Lip Chip Trainer and Jockey of the Week awards this past week with strong runs. They combined to win the Decketta Stakes with Curls Joyful Wagon.

Last week at Remington Park, Stinebaugh won with two of his seven starters and ran in the money (first, second or third) with five of the seven. Rivera was just as impressive, winning four times during the week. He and Francisco Calderon were the only two riders last week with that many wins.

Remington Park racing continues Friday through Sunday, March 21-23. Saturday, March 22 is Oklahoma Futurity night as the historic race leads a program with five other stakes events. Racing begins nightly at 6pm with Sunday afternoon racing at 4pm. All times are Central.

Remington Park has provided more than $376 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 presents year-round simulcast racing and casino gaming. The 2025 American Quarter Horse Season, features the historic 84th edition of the Oklahoma Futurity on Saturday, March 22. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.

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