LIMITED JESSE TOPS QUALIFYING TRIALS SPEEDHORSE GRAHAM PAINT AND APPALOOSA FUTURITY AT REMINGTON PARK

by Richard Linihan

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – May 16, 2026 – Limited Jesse put in a brilliant effort in the final trial of the day and became the fastest qualifier for the richest mixed-breed race final in the world, the Grade 1, $231,400 Speedhorse Graham Paint and Appaloosa Futurity. The lucrative final will be contested at Remington Park on Saturday, May 30.

In his trial, the final of six on the day, Limited Jesse had to fight tooth and nail every step of the way against the 3-5 heavy favorite, DW Showin D Off, but held him at bay by a neck for the victory at 350 yards into a stiff 20 mph headwind over a fast track. The time for Limited Lesse was :17.976, the only one of the day that broke the 18-second mark. After the race, winning jockey Christian Cardenas had to dismount from Limited Jesse after pulling him up in the first turn. The fastest Paint was not brought back to the winner’s circle to have his picture taken and was walked off the track to his barn, leaving his competing in the finals in question.

A 2-year-old Texas-bred gelding by Chilitos (QH), out of the Dos Porum mare Imababydolltoo produced a 79 speed index into this howling wind and was extremely impressive for trainer James J. Gonzales III, winning as the 2-1 favorite. It was the second win in three races lifetime for Limited Jesse, who also won at first asking in futurity trials on March 5 at Remington Park for the Grade 1 Oklahoma Paint and Appaloosa Futurity. In those trials, Limited Jesse was the second fastest qualifier, behind MW Bcause Im Alive. That Paint was the fifth-fastest qualifier on Saturday for the Speedhorse Graham final. Neither of those two finished well in the March stakes event, running ninth (Mw Bcause Im Alive) and 10^th (Limited Jesse).

Big Rotney remained undefeated Saturday, winning his trial, the fifth win in a row to start his career, but he could only manage the seventh-fastest qualifying time into an 18 mph headwind. Cody Smith, the all-time winningest rider aboard Paint horses, was up again for trainer Matt Whitekiller, who won three trials Saturday and qualified four of the top 10 horses for the finals. Oddly enough, the fastest qualifier for Whitekiller wasn’t even one of his three trial winners. It was Chilinator, who ran third to Limited Jesse in the sixth and final trial.

Big Rotney improved to 5-for-5 with earnings of $132,844 for owner Apple R Racing (Tim Reid) of McAlester, Okla. In comparison, Limited Jesse’s record now is 3-2-0-0, $13,347. Big Rotney has swept the two earlier futurities for his breed this season at Remington Park. In addition to the Oklahoma Paint & Appaloosa Futurity in March and the American Paint Classic Futurity in April.

Limited Jesse paid $6.40 to win, $2.60 to place and $2.20 to show. He is owned by TYKHE Racing and El Patron Stables of McAllen, Texas, and was bred by Dennis Schilling.

Here are the 10 qualifiers for Speedhorse Graham Paint & Appaloosa Futurity (horse, jockey, trainer, time, speed index, trial number, race number):

• 1) Limited Jesse, Christian Cardenas, James J. Gonzales III, :17.976, 79, trial six, race nine
• 2) DW Showin D Off, Roman Cruz, Dee Keener, :18.028, 77, trial six, race nine
• 3) Dulce Dinero, Roman Cruz, Jesus Ruiz, :18.055, 77, trial five, race eight
• 4) Chilinator, Cody Smith, Matt Whitekiller, :18.057, 76, trial six, race nine
• 5) MW Bcause Im Alive, Christian Cardenas, James J. Gonzales III, :18.096, 75, trial two, race five
• 6) Bella BC, Jonathan Dominguez, Marco Gutierrez, :18.125, 75, trial five, race eight
• 7) Big Rotney, Cody Smith, Matt Whitekiller, :18.189, 73, trial one, race four
• 8) Zazas Coconut Cartel, Gonzalo Gutierrez, Kasey Willis, :18.210, 72, trial five, race eight
• 9) Dallas North Tollway, Randy Vega, Matt Whitekiller, :18.228, 72, trial three, race six
• 10) Ima Hot Mess, Randy Vega, Matt Whitekiller, :18.248, 71, trial four, race seven

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Remington Park has provided more than $411 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. The $1,000,000 Heritage Place Futurity takes place on the final night of the spring season on Saturday, May 30. Remington Park presents year-round simulcast racing and casino gaming. Guests must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or to enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.