By Martha Claussen

SELMA, TX—JULY 27, 2019—The second feature this evening at Retama Park was the running of the $127,600 Retama Park Derby. The top 3-year-olds from trials contested on July 13 entered the gate with a thrilling finish by Ruse Ranch LLC’s Psychopath.

The California-bred son of Favorite Cartel brought a three-race win streak into the final, including his trial victory in which he set the fastest 400 yard qualifying time of :19.763 seconds.

Trained by Josue Ponce with Manuel Gutierrez up, the sorrel gelding surged in the final stride this evening, just a head in front of longshot Carry The Memories. He earned a speed index of 92, crossing the wire in :20.082 seconds.

Steve Burns DVM, bred Psychopath from the I Be Streakin mare Streaking Power. He has compiled a (8) 4-0-1 record and the $51,040 winners' purse boosted his earnings to $68,720.

Carry The Memories, a son of second-crop sire Dash Master Jess, bred and owned by Scarlett Hill Farm, finished a game second for trainer Rolando Almanza. Ricardo Garza Cruz has the return call on the Texas-bred colt. Out of the Duel Fuel mare Processing Speed, he earned $21,692 in his first career stakes effort.

Zoomin Patriot, also trained by Almanza, was sent off the as the favorite and got up for third under Esgar Ramirez. The Louisiana-bred son of Jet Black Patriot is owned by Claudia Avila and ran third in the Sam Houston Derby on May 3. Run Bayou Ranch LLC bred the black gelding from the Azoom mare Zippy Zoomer.

Lj Moonrise ran fourth under leading rider Francisco Calderon, followed by Makelogangreatagain, DM La Jolla Cartel, Coronas on the Coast, Baller, Dak and Runnin For Corona.

Psychopath, send off as the second choice in the wagering, paid $8.60 for the win. He remains undefeated in 2019 and has now won four of his eight career starts. With tonight’s check in the amount of $51,040, his bankroll stands at $68,720. It also capped a monumental end of the month for Ponce who won six races over the stakes-filled weekend at Retama Park.

The 2019 Retama Park Quarter Horse meet continues through September 11.