SIGNS OF LIVEWIRE TIES TRAINER DEE KEENER WITH LEW WARTCHOW AT FIVE WINS IN OKLAHOMA PAINT AND APPALOOSA FUTURITY

A quick stop on Facebook by owner Jeff Adams of Durant, Okla., led to trainer Dee Keener winning the Grade 1, $231,435 Oklahoma Paint and Appaloosa Futurity at Remington Park for the fifth time in his career. The Saturday night score came with Signs of Livewire, a 2-year-old Paint.

The fifth win tied Keener with Lew Wartchow for the most victories in this stakes history. Wartchow won the futurity five times – Poquito De Sol (1996), Fabulous Angel (1998), Ima Macho Man and Meddlin in Cash (2000 dead-heated for two wins) and Lady Corona (2003). Keener’s five are Signs of Livewire, Captain Capi (2020), Miss Movin On (2014), Fast Attitude (2009) and Linda Lajolla (2004).

Adams said he saw the photo of Signs of Livewire on breeder Alexia Willis’ Facebook page and almost immediately made an offer.

“I saw his pic on Facebook when he was only two days old. I wanted him, and got him bought that quick,” Adams said.

It was one of the best purchases of his year as this colt by CRM Livewire, out of the PYC Paint Your Wagon (QH) mare Signs of PYC (QH), is now two-for-two in his short career. He won his trial to qualify for these finals on March 4 in the fastest qualifying time of :15.679 into a 14 mph headwind, earning an 82 speed index at first asking.

Jockey Jesus Salazar is the renaissance man this year, winning at a strong clip the way he did back when he was at the top of his game. This is his first big stakes win since a severe automobile accident three years ago kept him off horses for longer than he wanted. He is just thankful that he is still alive after his car rolled at a high speed.

Salazar finished with 115 mounts, 13 wins, 10 seconds and 11 thirds in 2018 but when the accident happened, his 2019 season ended with an 0-for-26 record. His horses earned only $26,844 that year, over 365 days. In comparison, in Saturday night’s race, Signs of Livewire earned $89,218 in 15.377 seconds. Salazar’s best year came in 2015 when his horses banked $1,051,872.

“It was a really long journey, but I thank God for never giving up,” Salazar said. “I looked at my daughter every day and I want to give this win to all the people who stood behind me and supported me.”

The win put Salazar over the $150,000 mark in horse’s earnings for this season at Remington Park and it’s only March. He should easily surpass his best year since 2018, before the accident, when he finished with $251,678.

Signs of Livewire was sent off at 8-5 odds, the second betting favorite. He nudged past the post-time favorite The OSC Goldenboy (6-5) by a half-length. The third-place finisher, Wagon N Treasure (23-1) checked in another 1-1/2 lengths back.

Adams is so thankful he follows social media, especially Facebook. Signs of Livewire has now banked $93,310 for his owner, in only two races.

It was Adams and Salazar’s first win in this race. Willis bred this colt in Oklahoma.

The remaining order of finish was Shouldahadthewhiskey (4th), Zazas Island Girl (5th), Cowgirl Cartel (6th), Wired Hot Bentley (7th), Electric Tales (8th) and Turnpikers Eagle (9th).

Tracked by more than 168,000 fans on Facebook and 10,600 Twitter followers, Remington Park has provided more than $286 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 will feature the richest futurity for state-breds, the $925,000 (estimated) Remington Park Futurity on April 16. Simulcast horse racing is featured daily at Remington Park and the casino is always open! Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.

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