Winchell Thoroughbreds and Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen achieved a remarkable feat on July 6 by securing both first and second place in the $310,430 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (G3). Red Route One emerged victorious, with Unload, a 66-1 longshot, holding on for second place. Unload, initially perceived as a mere pacemaker, led the race until the final 100 yards before being overtaken by Red Route One, who won by a half-length.
Velocitor originally finished third but was demoted to fourth after an inquiry by the stewards, which elevated Ain't Life Grand to third place. Red Route One, piloted by Cristian Torres, completed the 1 1/8 miles on a fast track in 1:49.62, paying $9 to win. The favourite, Hit Show, finished a disappointing seventh.
Red Route One is a homebred by Gun Runner out of the Tapit mare Red House. Gun Runner is one of the country's top sires and stands for a private fee at Three Chimneys Farm.
Henro won the $250,000 Iowa Derby in his first route start after six career sprints, narrowly defeating the favourite Just a Touch by a head. Henro, a Collected gelding, was ridden by Rafael Bejarano and trained by Chris Hartman. The win was achieved with a time of 1:42.72 over 1 1/16 miles. Henro paid $11.60 for a $2 win wager.
In the $220,500 Iowa Oaks, Just Basking, a late-running Arrogate filly, triumphed in her stakes debut, winning by 4 3/4 lengths. She was ridden by Chris Landeros and trained by Ian Wilkes, completing the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.40. Just Basking paid $5.60 to win.
White Sands, a daughter of Into Mischief and half-sister to 2021 champion male sprinter Jackie's Warrior, dominated the $101,750 Prairie Gold Juvenile Stakes, winning by 13 3/4 lengths. Ridden by Joe Bravo and trained by Wesley Ward, White Sands completed the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04.18, paying $5.20 to win.
These victories highlight the diverse talent and successful training strategies employed by the connections at Prairie Meadows, showcasing both promising young horses and seasoned veterans.