Wicked Cowgirl Smart, under jockey Luis Valenzuela, setting the fastest time for the AQRA President's Open Spring Derby at Turf Paradise Thursday.

© Coady Photography

PHOENIX, AZ—FEBRUARY 29, 2024—Los Alamitos Race Course stakes winner Wicked Cowgirl Smart made her Arizona debut today while posting the fastest qualifying time for the AQRA President's Open Spring Derby at Turf Paradise.

The 10 fastest qualifiers, from three trial races, will return to Turf Paradise on March 21 to vie for the winner's share of a $30,000-added purse going 350 yards.

Wicked Cowgirl Smart, under jockey Luis Valenzuela,cleared the field early then finished three-quarters ahead of Mr Chiles in the opening t20,iral. to get the fastest qualifying time of :17.579 seconds, a 96 speed index.

Trainer Leonel Gonzalez saddled the daughter of last year's leading first-crop sire Flying Cowboy 123 for owner-breeder J Lazy Six Ranch. Bred in Arizona from the Pyc Paint Your Wagon mare Df I Ant Jo Wagon.

Wicked Cowgirl Smart won the Fred Scane Stakes at Los Alamitos Race Course last summer. She has won three of six starts and banked $30,287.

Runner-up in the opening trial, Mr Chiles, held on to the second fastest qualifying time of :17.708 seconds, a 92 speed index. Trainer Diego Cervantes named jockey Francisco Calderon to ride the won o Tres seis for owner Jose Agular Mendoza.

Red D. and Celia Nieto bred the gelding in Oklahoma from the Pyc Paint Your Wagon mare Pithia. Fourth in the AQRA President's Open Spring Futurity last year, Mr Chiles has earned $38,845 in seven starts.

For a complete list of finalists, with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.