04/27/2026
May god continue his blessings 🙏
Clareets Boy had not won a race since 2024 but managed to make his way to the winner’s circle Sunday night at Re*****on Park with a victory in the featured allowance under jockey Edwin Escobedo.
In fact, Clareets Boy had wallowed in hard luck during the entirety of a streak by running second or third in nine of his last 10 starts before winning Sunday. The 4-year-old Oklahoma-bred gelded son of Flying Cowboy 123 out of the One Dashing Eagle mare Clareet had last won a race on Oct. 26, 2024 at Los Alamitos in California in allowance company. In those nine races of hard luck, he had lost by a length or less in seven of them. On Sunday, it was a different story.
This, the ninth race on the Sunday card, had several storylines involved other than Clareets Boy’s graduation from non-winners of two career races,. The 10-horse, Thereturnofthecartel was disqualified as the runner-up and placed eighth after crossing over in front of the 9-horse, Bye to You, forcing that one to alter his path. If that weren’t enough, the 2-horse, Flashin the Candy, got caught up in the gate when it opened and reared up, giving the field about a five-length advantage. He was declared a non-starter and any wagers on him were refunded.
So, when all was said and done, Clareets Boy was the winner of the 350-yard race for 3-year-olds-and-older Oklahoma-breds, followed by new runner-up Cyber Account and third-place First Painteddynasty.
Clareets Boy, breaking from the 1-post position, was oblivious to the chaos going on to his outside and burst to the third win of his career. Despite his long string of hard-luck losses, the betting public had not given up on him. He was sent off as the heavy 4-5 post-time favorite and paid $3.60 to win, $2.40 to place and $2.20 to show. He covered the 350 yards in :17.732 on the fast track for an 86 speed index. Trainer Samuel Mendoza had him revved up and ready to fire a big one for owner Victor Mendoza of Bozeman, Mont.
Clareets Boy earned $19,050 from the $33,740 purse and improved his career mark to 17 starts with three wins, three seconds and six thirds to boost his career earnings to $68,051. He was bred by William E. Smith and was purchased at the 2023 Heritage Place September Yearling Sale for $85,000.
Re*****on Park racing continues Thursday-Sunday, April 30 thru May 3. The first race Thursday and Friday is at 6pm. The Saturday, May 2 schedule features the simulcast of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs so Re*****on Park action begins at Noon followed by the derby. Sunday racing starts at 4pm. All times are Central.
Photo by Dustin Orona Photography
