Tejano Twist Sixth Winner for Practical Joke

Tejano Twist (2g Practical Joke x Haley’s Lolipop) became Practical Joke’s sixth winner on Tuesday with a three length victory in a Colonial Downs Maiden Special Weight.

Racing over five furlongs on the dirt, the juvenile used his speed early on to be among the leaders after breaking from the widest gate. Staying wide throughout, the gelding ran in second until the stretch.

From there, the race was on as three horses went for the lead.

Tejano Twist never felt the whip as Joe Rocco Jr. let him coast to the win with Tejano Twist quickly pulling away from the battle.

Trained by Bret Calhoun for owner-breeder Tom Durant, Tejano Twist now has $52,000 in earnings from two top two finishes in his young career.

The gelding is out of Grade III-placed Haley’s Lolipop, whose five winners from five runners include stakes winner Game Day Plan. Haley’s Lolipop is a half-sister to Grade III winner and Grade I-placed Maddalena, who is also the dam of Grade II winner Bern Identity among her four stakes performers. Haley’s Lolipop is also a half-sister to stakes placed Tale of the Nile and Crazy Uncle Rick.

Tied for the fifth most winners of any North American freshman sire this year, Practical Joke is one of only two freshman to have a graded stakes winner alongside studmate Caravaggio.