SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Aug. 24, 2019) – HH CJ Shake had the quickest time in the Quarter Horse Racing Association of Indiana (QHRAI) Stallion Service Auction (SSA) Futurity and he proved to be the toughest in the final. The two-year-old son of Escondido Beach rallied home as the winner in the 20th running of the $173,370 event in a time of :17.677 seconds.
Starting from post six in the nine-horse final, HH CJ Shake, guided by Juan Marquez, shot out of the gate like a rocket and was the leader from the first jump. Marquez kept the sorrel gelding on the front and was the one to catch throughout the 350-yard dash. Beach Benny and L.D. Martinez were battling bravely on the inside and kept up with HH CJ Shake, but at the wire, the advantage went to HH CJ Shake. Beach Benny was second over Louisiana Lover and Cody Smith for third.
“He (HH CJ Shake) was good in the gates, the best he’s ever been,” said Marquez through fellow Quarter Horse jockey Tasha Fritz, who interpreted for the young rider from Mexico. “Everything was perfect tonight, and thanks to God for the win because my little baby girl (Valentina, eight months old) was here in the winner’s circle with me.”
Despite being the fastest qualifier, HH CJ Shake was overlooked by the betting public, paying $11.00, $5.60 and $3.60 across the board. He now has three wins in five career starts for owners Larry Carter, John Myers, Gary Brandon Bell and Rusty Hawkins. Carter and Myers also bred the gelding, who is a full brother to another standout stakes winner in Indiana, HH Kentucky Krome. Both HH CJ Shake and HH Kentucky Krome are trained by Paul Martin.
“After he (HH CJ Shake) won his first start, he showed the ability to be a great horse,” said Martin. “He had a rough trip in the last stakes (Gordon Mobley Futurity), but he has continued to get better. He showed us in the trials he was able to perform at a high level. I felt really good about coming into this race tonight and thought if he raced back like he raced in the trials, he would be tough to beat.”
HH CJ Shake increased his career bankroll to more than $114,000 with the win. It was his first stakes victory for his connections.
“Once this colt figured out how to break, he has just been getting better and better,” added Martin. “We are very blessed to have him in our barn.”
As a result of the win by HH CJ Shake, Sheri Miller, the owner of Indiana’s top stallion over the past few years, Escondido Beach, will receive a $5,000 bonus. The bonus to the winning sire of the QHRAI SSA Futurity, was a new addition to the Indiana program in 2019.
Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing continues through Wednesday, Nov. 6. Racing is conducted Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:15 p.m. and Saturday at 6:15 p.m.
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