PHOENIX, AZ–APRIL 8,2017–When the gates opened for the $41,277 AQRA President’s Open Spring Derby, Cowboys Dynasty and jockey Jesus Osuna broke on top and never looked back to win the feature race at Turf Paradise on Saturday by three-quarters of a length.

The final time for the 350-yard race was :17.664, earning a 96 speed index for the winner despite the 18 mph headwind.

The AQRA President’s Open Spring Derby marked Cowboys Dynasty’s fifth win in 11 starts and increased his lifetime earnings to over $60,000. Cowboys Dynasty, favored in each of his last four starts, won his trial for the Rillito Park Derby in February and finished second in the final prior to being the fastest qualifier for Saturday’s Derby at Turf Paradise.

Cowboys Dynasty is owned and trained by Alvaro Monteverde. Bred in Arizona by Corner K Quarter Horses, LLC, the colt was sired by FDD Dynasty and is out of the On A High mare Mexican Radio.

Fitz, with Raul Ramirez, Jr. aboard, chased Cowboys Dynasty to finish second. Bred in California by Double Bar S Ranch, Fitz is by leading sire Mr Jess Perry and out of the First Down Dash mare Dividends Declared.

No stranger to tough company, Fitz competed in trials for the Ed Burke Million Futurity, the All American Futurity and the Golden State Million Futurity as a 2-year-old last year. Fitz is owned by Yuriana Ramirez and is trained by Ricardo Ramirez.

Apollitical Boogie and jockey Rodolfo Arvizu finished third for trainer Eloy Mendoza and owner Amado De La Riva. De La Riva also bred the Apollitical Jess gelding, out of Shakin Ana Dashin, by Late to Bed. The Arizona-bred won the $32,310 Turf Paradise Juvenile Challenge Stakes last April and competed in the $151,250 AQHA Juvenile Challenge Championship (G2) at Los Alamitos in October.

Completing the field were Lt Manup, Sweet Babie James, Mi Favorito, Movin the Doe, Fly First Dash and Mr Dynasty. Arizona Icon was scratched.