Choctaw Bingo Sends Air Force Blue to Top of Rankings

Air Force Blue shot to the top of the Freshman Sire rankings by winners and wins on Wednesday afternoon when Choctaw Bingo (2f Air Force Blue x Naked Empress, by Freud) won on debut at Indiana Grand.

Racing over five furlongs on the dirt, the filly stumbled out of the gate but was quickly into stride and gunning for the lead. By the time they hit the half-way point, she was at the front of the pack and just had one rival to put behind her until the win was hers.

A brief battle ensued down the stretch but with nearly a furlong left, she was home free and building her margin. Becoming the fourth winner by her sire, Choctaw Bingo crossed the line three lengths in front for owners and co-breeders Brenda and Austin Paul, who bred the filly with Marette Farrell.

Trained by Rey Hernandez for the duo, Choctaw Bingo is the first foal out of the winning Freud mare Naked Empress, herself a half-sister to Grade I-placed Toro Bonito. Choctaw Bingo hails from the family of Grade I winner Indian Charlie among others.

The filly is the second winner in three days for her leading freshman sire Air Force Blue, whose four winners and five wins put him at the top of the list in both categories. The European Champion 2-Year-Old’s outstanding group of 2-year-old is led by winner and stakes placed runner Chief Little Hawk.