PRESCOTT, AZ—JULY 20, 2019—Jess Cat broke sharp under jockey Kevin Carbajal then held off a late charge from the outside by Ur My Favorite to win the $16,625 Desert Classic Derby by a neck Saturday afternoon at Arizona Downs.

Trainer Jose Botello saddled the daughter of graded stakes winner Stray Cat to her fourth career win for owner Eulailo Juarez. Jessa Cat completed the 350 yards in a quick :17.480 seconds, a 111 speed index into a 10 mph crosswind.

Bred William O. Dale in Missouri, from the Mr Jess Perry mare Jessa Runner, Jessa Cat picked up $9,144 to bring her bankroll to just over $29,000.

Jockey Martin Osuna had the riding call aboard runner-up Ur My Favorite for owner Valerie Melissa Velazquez and trainer Armando Castellanos. Jaime Gomez bred the daughter of Favorite Cartel in California from the Jazzing Hi mare Prima Ld. She earned $3,325.

El Saucito, also by Favorite Cartel, finished one-length back in third to earn $1,663. Mark Jasso had the riding call for owner-trainer Rigoberto Guillen. Salvador Pimienta bred the black gelding in Arizona from the Tres Seis mare Sonora Cartel. The multiple stakes-placed 3-year-old has earned $24,420.

Curious George Jr, Harem Bar Cartel, Mr Pura Vida and Pcr Americanfighter completed the field.