Mark Jasso pilots Hes My Sweetheart to a 1/2-length victory in the $65,050 AQRA Quarter Horse Derby at Turf Paradise on Thursday.

© Coady

PHOENIX, AZ–MAY 2, 2024–Hes My Sweetheart gets there with his third consecutive win this season in the $65,050 AQRA Quarter Horse Derby at Turf Paradise on Thursday afternoon.

Jockey Mark Jasso, who was aboard Hes My Sweetheart when he clocked the second fastest time to the finals, returned for the victory again today. After a jostled start from the gates, the duo quickly picked up speed and took lead at first call, crossing the wire a half-length ahead of post-time favorite wicked Cowgirl Smart.

Hes My Sweetheart clocked a 97 speed index in :17.547 seconds and the longshot's victory paid $23.00 to win on 9-1 odds.

Trained by Adolfo Armendariz Celaya, Hes My Sweetheart only had one out in his freshman campaign where he placed eighth in the Desert Classic Futurity trials. After returning to the track for his sophomore year, the speedster has won three of his four starts and the $33,425 winner's share of the purse increases his earnings to $63,590.

The winning connections of Hes My Sweetheart accept the $65,050 AQRA Quarter Horse Derby trophy at Turf Paradise on Wednesday. © Coady

Fernando Canales bred and owns Hes My Sweetheart in Arizona. The three-year-old son of Panama Wes is out of Sheza Sweet Fire by One Sweet Jess.

Luis Valenzuela piloted the fastest qualifier from the trials, Wicked Cowgirl Smart, over the line for second breaking her three-run win streak. The daughter of Flying Cowboy 123 has lit the board seven of nine starts with five career wins.

Trained by Leonel Gonzalez, Wicked Cowgirl Smart has two stakes wins and $85,647 in the bank including the AQRA Presidens Open Spring Derby in March. The J Lazy Six Racing bred and owned filly is out of DF I Aint Jo Wagon by Pyc Paint Your Wagon.

Third fastest qualifier from the trials Av Tornadoe Warning ran true for third in the finals under the guidance of jockey Joseph Belloc Jr. Trainer Angel Valenzuela also bred and owns the son of Separate Interest.

The brown gelding out of Texas Tornadoe by Texas Icon broke his maiden in his first start in 2023 and hasn't won since, but was a two-time stakes finalist before today's run. Av Tornadoe Warning's total earnings are $18,749 from seven starts.

The remaining order of finish is Corazon Stoli, Higher Heat, Freddy Fender, Ms Moira Rose, Light On Chicks and Ranch Princess.