FIGHTER ON FIRE BURNS UP THE FIELD IN BANK OF AMERICA CHALLENGE WIN

October 31, 2009 -- Fighter On Fire posted a :21.124 for a come-from-behind win in the 440 yard $350,000 Bank of America Challenge on October 31st at Los Alamitos. The sorrel colt is owned by Rancho El Alacran.

Fighter On Fire broke third and was second behind favorite Little Bit of Baja until the final moments. Little Bit of Baja, who is owned by Vessels Stallion Farm LLC and Los Bustardos, ended up in second by a nose and took home $70,000 for the effort. 

"It was so close. I thought I had it. He ran a good race, but I think standing in the gate while they loaded the outside horse bothered him. Too much time. But, he still ran a good race," said Little Bit of Baja's jockey, Rodrigo Aceves. 

Rylees Boy was 3/4 length back in third. Owned by Gerrardo Ochoa and ridden by Joe Ruiz, Rylees Boy earned $35,000.

With Francisco Rubio in the irons for trainer Adan Farias, Fighter On Fire earned $161,000 bringing his career earnings to $619,038

"We were going to retire him last year, but wanted to give him one more chance," said owners Gilberto and Joaquin Vega.

"He battled all year long at this distance and raced against some outstanding horses at this level. At his optimal level, we feel he can compete in the Champion of Champions."

Fighter On Fire was bred by Shultz Ranch of South Gate, California. He is by First Down Dash out of Chenille by Merridoc.

Full results: Fighter On Fire, Little Bit of Baja, Rylees Boy, Snip N Dale, Head Bud, Bannow Bay, Trisk, Mayo First, Easy Dashin Sixes, Captains Road and Brindis Por Cayenne.