This time it was the $30,000 Ariat Grand Prix that he and Irish Sport Horse McGuinness conquered making it two victories for the pair. Fellers also won the $75,000 Footings Unlimited Grand Prix with McGuinness, and he rode Gyro to the win in last Friday's $30,000 Ariat Grand Prix.

"When you're hot, you're hot," said Fellers. "Sometimes when you get like this you just have to roll with the punches."

"Last week he had to regroup," said Fellers of McGuinness. "He needed a weeks rest."

The $9,000 in prize money Fellers collected today, added to his previous winnings with McGuinness and Gyro, makes a grand total of $40,500. Fellers wouldn't mind adding to that total in Sunday's $150,000 Grand Prix of the Desert that concludes the circuit. In fact, if he can make it his fourth win, then HITS would hand him a prize money check for $45,000.

"Let's hope it's a preview of things to come," he said.

Seventeen other horses made it past course designer Conrad Homfeld's opening round route.

"It was exactly what a Friday course should be," said Ali Nilforushan, who was tenth.. "The man (Homfeld) is a consummate professional. He knows it doesn't matter how many horses make it to the jump off, the best always wins."

Five mounts posted double-clear rounds in the jump off. Canadian rider John Pearce and Archie Bunker were second but couldn't catch the time set by Fellers of 39.88. Richard Spooner and Cristallo had the third fastest clean round in the jump-off. Fellers and Gyro were fourth and Spooner rode fan-favorite Robinson to fifth.

"Robinson's doing great," he said. "I had to go slow with him today because that's the only way he will stand a chance on Sunday."

Spooner had five mounts in the jump-off for the second straight $30,000 Ariat Grand Prix. The day's final mount, Ezrah clipped the last rail on the jump-off course ruining his chances of taking home the crown. His time of 39.31 would have gotten the job done too.

Quirino 3 had four faults for sixth place and Airtime didn't receive a score due to a pair of refusals to round out another nice day for the Indio Desert Circuit's all-time leading money winner.

"I'm consistent at coming in second and third in these," he joked. "I need to go get it done on Sunday."

For complete horse show results please visit http://www.hitsshows.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: Rich Fellers and McGuinness ©Todd Sutherland/Flying Horse Photography