Q-RACING JOURNAL—MAY 23, 2013—Richard Frandsen’s SS Paydirt stands out as the horse to beat in the $116,000 Bitterroot Futurity at Les Bois Park on Memorial Derby after demolishing his rivals in the trials by easily racing to the fastest qualifying time.

Making his career debut, SS Paydirt (Carters Cartel-Mia Ta Fame by Dash Ta Fame) won the first of nine trials by 1 3/4 lengths and the second-place finisher, Bvlgari B (Tac It Like A Man-Mr Perrys Effort by Mr Jess Perry), was the second-fastest qualifier. The Blaine Hadley-trained SS Paydirt covered the 350 yards in :17.352 while Bvlgari B was clocked in :17.640.

Jim Nebeker’s Bvlgari B was the 17-10 favorite in the trial after breaking her maiden in her Dixie Downs Futurity trial when she won by 2 lengths.

Denny and Sandy Weight’s Well Worth It (Carters Cartel-Worth A Look by First Down Dash) is two-for-two with wins as an odds-on favorite in each of her starts. The Monty Arrossa-trained filly won at first asking over 220 yards and then won her trial by 1 length with the third-fastest time of :17.740.

Furious Jess Heads Bitterroot Derby

Gloria Martineau’s Furious Jess, winner of last year’s Bitterroot Futurity, goes for the futurity/derby double when he starts in the $28,900 Bitterroot Derby on Saturday at Les Bois Park.

Furious Jess (Fly Jess Fly-Shes Furious by Special Leader) made his 2013 debut in the derby trials and sped to a half length win as the 7-5 favorite. His :19.988 time was the second-fastest time from five trials.

The Ron Moosman-trained Furious Jess also qualified for the Ed Giles Futurity and was fifth in The Plan Handicap last year.

Favoritism in the Bitterroot Derby should fall to fastest-qualifier Dynasty Red (FDD Dynasty-Red High Heels by Corona Cartel). The gelding set the fastest-qualifying time when he won his trial by an impressive 2 3/4 lengths. His :19.796 mark easily topped the qualifiers’ list.

From the Lin Melton barn, Dynasty Red was second in the 2012 Bitterroot Futurity to Furious Jess. He then was second in the John Deere Les Bois Juvenile Challenge and picked up thirds at Los Alamitos in the Wild West Futurity and the Holiday Handicap.