SOUIXPER CHARGER WINS SATURDAY’S ARKANSAS BREEDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP

Souixper Charger and jockey Luis Quinonez

Photo credit: Coady Photography

SOUIXPER CHARGER WINS SATURDAY’S ARKANSAS BREEDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP

HOT SPRINGS, AR (Saturday, May 7, 222) – J J Thoroughbred’s Souixper Charger proved he’s one of the best Arkansas-bred runners of the meet with his three-length victory in Saturday’s $200,000 Arkansas Breeders’ Championship before an on-track crowd of 18,000.

Ridden by Luis Quinonez from post 11, Souixper Charger was sixth early as Dinner at Crumpies led the field of 12 through an opening quarter mile in :23 3/5. The winner grabbed a narrow lead after a half mile in :47 2/5, lost the lead briefly, regained it as he came three wide into the stretch and drew off for the impressive win over 3-1 favorite Bandit Point, who was making his fourth appearance in the race. Man in the Can was third. The winning time was 1:44 flat for 1 1/16 miles over a fast track.

“Like I told my owner, I thought this horse was really good and he’s getting better,” winning trainer John Henry Prather said. “I thought it was a good spot. He kind of trusted me and it worked.”

Souixper Charger, a 6-year-old Portobello Road colt, improved his record to 6-4-3 in 24 starts and has now earned $329,218. He returned $14, $6 and $4 at odds of 6-1.

Live racing resumes Sunday with a 12 noon first post for the final day of the 2021-2022 live meet. In addition to 10 races, the Mother’s Day card will be highlighted by an appearance by the Budweiser Clydesdales.

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Stakes Quotes:

Winning jockey Luis Quinonez: “It got a little rough the first part, the first turn. But after that, he stayed good. He was able to rate just enough. On the backside, he got the lead and wasn’t running off, so I just stayed quiet on him. Down the lane, I asked him and he responded.”

Winning trainer John Henry Prather: “Like I told my owner, I thought this horse was really good and he’s getting better. I thought it was a good spot. He kind of trusted me and it worked.”

Trainer Robert N. Cline, second with Bandit Point: “Hat’s off to Souixper Charger and congratulations to John Henry Prather. That horse, he’s paid his dues. He’s just like me. He’s been around and I barely caught him last time and I couldn’t catch him this time. So, hat’s off to them. I was proud of both of mine. They ran their race.”