Jo Jos Rocket Takes WRD Maiden Challenge

Gelding scores easy victory at Will Rogers Downs.

November 4, 2012

Jo Jos Rocket broke like a rocket in Sunday’s $28,090 AQHA Maiden Challenge Stakes at Will Rogers Downs and went on to score a decisive 1 ½-length win. Ridden by Stormy Smith for trainer Javier Contreras and owner Rodrigo Gonzalez, the California-bred 3-year-old dashed 350 yards in :18.066.

Jo Jos Rocket, a gelding by The Chocolate Rocket bred by Carlos Gonzales, has never finished worse than second in four starts and his earnings now stand at $25,743. He finished second in his career debut in a trial for the Bank of America Texas Maiden Challenge at Sam Houston Race Park in April and then came back to run second in the final. After a five-month break, he returned to action at Lone Star Park and defeated maiden company on October 12.

Dee Keener’s Hartack, a gelding by Tres Seis, finished a clear second. Lelas Dashing Stone, a filly by SC Chiseled In Stone owned by Martin Portillo, crossed the wire third.