PROJECT LEADER, JUST A LITTLE LUCK WIN AGAIN IN THE 1,000-YARD FINALS
On Sunday afternoon, Project Leader and Just A Little Luck were both recognized by the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Racing Association as the top horses in the 1,000 Yard Division at Los Alamitos in 2024. A few hours later, Project Leader and Just A Little Luck showed that they are still on top of the world in this tough division at the Orange County track following impressive victories in their respective 1,000 Yard Summer Finals.
Owned by Jesus Uranga, Project Leader won the 1,000 Yard Summer Final for the second year in a row, while Bruce Guttman and Antonio Flores’ Just A Little Luck followed her victory in the 1,000 Yard Winter Final for Fillies and Mares with a convincing victory in the Summer Final for Fillies and Mares on Sunday night.
Ridden by Francisco Ramirez and trained by Uranga, Project Leader took the lead in the $35,000 Summer Final, opened a 2 ½ length lead and then held off a late rush from former track record holder Dutton to win by a neck in a time of :52.338. Bred by George Schmitt, Mary Clare Schmitt and Richard Meister, the son of Run Brother Ron posted his 23rd win in 59 career starts. The 8-year-old gelding also appears to be back in top form, winning his second consecutive start after four straight loses in 2025. It was a surprising colt streak for Project Leader, who won seven of 10 starts last year in route to earning PCQHRA honors.
“I let him rest a little bit,” said Uranga, who purchased Project Leader privately last December. “Last year was his best year. He ran eight races (at Los Alamitos) and won seven. He did great. He deserved some time off. I slowed down on him before bringing him back. He’s come back really strong.”
Regaining his early speed was key, as he usually ends up in the Los Alamitos winner’s circle when he’s setting the early fractions.
“There’s no way that we can run him in the back and then try to catch them,” Uranga said. “He always has a lot of speed, so we had to go to the front. We’ll slow down a little bit with him and then we’ll get him ready for the (1,000 Yard) Winter Final.”
Project Leader earned $19,250 to take his career earnings to $276,541.
Silvia Soto’s Dutton finished second while Lizbeth Medina’s Wegonnahavagoodtime ran third.
In the $30,000 Filly & Mare final, Just A Little Luck posted a two-length victory under the guidance of jockey Edgar Payeras for trainer Antonio Flores. Bred by Terry Knight, Jean Annuzzi and Mel Annuzzi, the 5-year-old mare by Straight Fire scored her sixth win from her last seven starts.
“This mare never stops, she wins, she’s out there, she gives it her full heart,” Bruce Guttman said. “She’s ready to go for next time. She’s in good shape. She’s a sprinter. She gets out of the gate well and if she does, she’s a leader. She’ll lead the pack.”
Guttman is a retired attorney, who lives most of the year overseas. Returning to California to enjoy Just A Little Luck is certainly a joy for the longtime owner.
“I’ve owned horses for over 20 years. I love horses. We treat them well and they treat us well,” he said.
Just A Little Luck improved to 11 wins from 22 starts. She earned $16,500 for the win to take her career earnings to $179,974.
Lakestride LLC’s Dial A Friend ran second while Uranga’s Coruscation finished third.
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