Polka Joke Pulls Off Upset in Cherokee Nation Classic Cup Stakes

Polka Joke
Polka Joke
Polka Joke (Photo by Kelli Johnston/Coady Photography)

Joan Charlton’s homebred Polka Joke became a stakes winner for the first time on Saturday as the gelding by Sasha’s Prospect drew clear to a 2 ¾-length victory in the $55,000 Cherokee Nation Classic Cup Stakes for Oklahoma-breds at Will Rogers Downs. Erik McNeil rode the 4-year-old to a time of 1:43.38 for one mile and 70 yards. Brent Charlton was the winning trainer.

Polka Joke shipping into Will Rogers Downs after a good second-place effort at Lone Star Park to former Texas Horse of the Year Coyote Legend. Polka Joke now has a record of 14-4-1-2 with earnings of $104,977.

George W. Straw’s Johnny Whip, winner of the TRAO Classic Sprint Stakes earlier in the meet, finished second with Benny Landeros up for trainer Jody Pruitt. Sassy S Stables Inc.’s Evansville Storm, by Evansville Slew, rallied to finish third with Curtis Kimes aboard for conditioner Mike Teel.

Nine Friends, Agent, Fifth Date, Ransom Roberto and Self Destruct completed the field.