(Thursday, June 19, 2003) - Here's a rundown on the stakes staged during the 2003 quarter-horse meeting at Retama Park:

Razzledazzle Is Very Special
Joe M. Garza saddled the triumphant Special Razzledazzle, ridden by Raul Ramirez Jr., in $266,700 Retama Park Futurity. The winning 2-year-old, who ran the 350 yards in 18.05 seconds, paid a whopping $113.20 on June 22. A half-length behind in second was Cassandra Crest, with Nicky Wilson aboard, and Little Boy Shake Em, with Manuel Garcia in the irons, finished another half-length back in third.

An Arabian Stakes Double
Trainer Jerenesto Torrez and jockey Deirdre Panas won both Independence Sprints for Arabians at six furlongs on June 22. MW Scarlet Lady finished second in the $10,400 race for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up, but went to the winner's circle because Bankers Naomi Ku was disqualified for interference. Ontario HF captured the $10,600 race for colts and geldings 3-year-old and up, defeating Oraccle by 1 ½ lengths.

Derby Winner Solid as Oak
J.R. Ramirez rode Oak Tree Special, trained by Bobby Martinez, to victory in the $137,700 Retama Park Derby for 3-year-olds on June 21. The winner covered the 400 yards in 19.88 seconds. Three-quarters of a length back was Copa Show Girl and Moon Shake finished third.
A Hall of Fame Celebration
John Buchanan sent out the victorious Gone Celebrating in the $28,000 Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame Stakes on June 20. The winner, ridden by Juan L. Vazquez, covered the 440 yards in 21.74 seconds, defeating Shaky Embrujo by 1 ½ lengths, with Dash for Favors third.

A Solid Victory
Get Solid, ridden by R.B. Edison and trained by H.C. (Bubba) Werner Jr., ran down the leaders to capture the $15,000 San Marcos Handicap for 3-year-olds and up at 870 yards by three-quarters of a length on June 14. Cat B Quick, with J.R. Ramirez aboard, nosed out Irish Leader, with Issac Chapa up, for second.

Shaky Embrujo Stirred
Janie Hernandez sent out Shaky Embrujo to a head victory in the $15,000 Santa Rosa Handicap for 3-year-olds and up at 400 yards on June 6. The winner paid $14. Gone Celebrating, ridden by Juan L. Vazquez, ran second and Flying Avalanche, with Danny Lavergne aboard, was third.

The Winning Colors
Gators Girl, with Jesse Sauceda aboard, captured the $15,000 Colors of the Wind Handicap for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and up on May 31. Robert G. Madragal saddled the winner. Joyalty, with D.P. Smith aboard, was three-quarters of a length behind while Legacy Tells All, ridden by T.J. Swan in the irons, finished third.

A Towering Inferno
Arturo Carrillo guided The Blazin Man, trained by Joe M. Garza, to a nose victory in the $12,500 Tower of Americas Handicap for 3-year-olds and up at 550 yards on May 30. Joyalty, with Smith on board, ran second and Street Lou, ridden by Santos Carrizales, finished third.

Dash for Barn Master
Dash for Favors, ridden by Enrique Tavarez and trained by Robert Rodriquez, won the $15,000 Barn Master Handicap for Texas-bred 3-year-olds and up going 350 yards on May 24. He paid $19.20. The runner-up was Ronas Wind Dancer, ridden by Danny Lavergne, followed by Randy's Pop Pop, with J.R. Ramirez aboard.

A Royal Finish
The Rodolfo Sanchez-trained Waiting on Royalty, guided by Martin Rubalcava, captured the $15,000 Ford Texas Distaff MBNA Challenge at 400 yards for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up on May 17. Coupers Ladybug, with Eddie Lynn Cox Jr. aboard, was second. Go You Must, ridden by Juan L. Vazquez, finished third.

No Fees Flies Home
The $20,000 American Airlines Texas MBNA Juvenile went to No Fees, ridden by Vazquez and trained by John S. Buchanan, on May 17. Apollo's Winner, ridden By Rubalcava, finished second in the contest for 2-year-olds at 350 yards. Viva La Vicky, with Tavarez in the irons, ran third.

Irish Leader Does It
Issac Chapa rode Irish Leader to victory in the $12,500 Universal City Handicap for 3-year-olds and up at 870 yards on May 11. The winner, trained by Emilio L. Barrera, returned $12.80. Zachs Hero, with Lavergne aboard, finished second and Bubbubabad, ridden by William Dean McClaran, was third.

A Special Triumph
Special Red Delivery, ridden by Jerry Lee Yoakum and trained by Guy Hopkins, captured the $15,000 King William Handicap for 3-year-olds and up at 350 yards on May 10. Rowdy O Toole, ridden by Rubalcava, finished second. Quick Fashion, with Ramirez up, was third.

Getting the Gold
Duane L. Hartsell saddled Mj Gold for the victory in the $12,500 La Villita Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at 330 yards on May 4. The winner, ridden by Tad W. Leggett, paid $12.60. Toastizit, with McClaran aboard, was the runner-up. Luxus Chick, ridden by Jose Alvarez, finished third.

Longshot Wins Opening Stake
BeBe O Toole, guided by McClaran, took the $12,500 Ariat Stakes for Texas-bred 3-year-olds going 330 yards. The winner, trained by Joe M. Garza, returned $34. Runner-up was Hesa Lil Bit High, with Yoakum aboard. Image Mover, with Vazquez in the saddle, ran third.