The National Reining Breeders Classic Open Preliminaries began Wednesday, September 2, at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The field of 194 will be narrowed to the top 30 in each division at the conclusion of Thursday’s competition. A quick perusal of the draw sheets quickly tells of the tough competition in the Ford Truck Arena. Holding the top spot at the end of the first day is Casey Deary on Gunnabeabrightstar with a 225. Gunnabeabrightstar, by ARC Gunnabeabigstar out of Abbie Be Tuff, is owned by Neiberger Performance Horses LLC.

Currently leading the Open Level 3 is Kole Price on Ruf Style Of Play with a 221. Ruf Style Of Play, by Not Ruf At All and out of UB Stylin With Me, is owned by Axel Bouchner.

There’s currently a tie for the lead of the Level 2 between Bobby Avila Jr. and Austin Roush, who both marked a 219. Avila rode Vintage Jewels, owned by Emily Coultrap, is by A Sparkling Vintage and out of Jewels Lil Sparkle, while Roush rode Robert Sutherland’s Special Nite Rider, by Gunners Special Nite and out of Fancy Voodoo.

With scores of 218, Emily Emerson and Debbie Brown are also in a tie, this one for the lead of the Level 1. Emerson teamed up with Penny Whize, owned by Susan Geiger, who is by Shine On Line and out of Easy Whiz My Money. Brown and A Whizard Dream, owned by David Silva, not only lead the Level 1 with the 218, they are also in the top spot of the Open Prime Time with a 221 (includes handicap). A Whizard Dream is by Magnum Chic Dream and out of Miss Poco Whizard.

The Developing Division Championship will be awarded to the highest advancing horse, and Marie Kleiner and This Gun Works currently top the division with a 217.5. This Gun Works, by Gunners Tinseltown and out of Reminic At Work, is owned by Jennifer Greenleaf.

The NRBC Open Preliminaries on Thursday will be followed by the Virtual Open Draw Party at 7 pm. Finalists can tune in to the live webcast page to find out their draw position.