Alitlelesstalk, the 3-1 morning-line favorite, returns to the track at Turf Paradise following a strong trial effort, aiming to secure top honors in the $53,000 AQRA Quarter Horse Derby Final.

© Coady Media

By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott
 

PHOENIX, AZ–April 23, 2026—A ten-race program at Turf Paradise on Saturday is highlighted early by a powerful Arizona-bred double feature, as the $32,800 Mark T Bars Stakes and the $53,000 AQRA Quarter Horse Derby Final take center stage in the opening two races. The card gets underway at approximately 2:15 p.m., with both events expected to deliver high-energy performances that set the tone for the afternoon.

The $53,000 AQRA Quarter Horse Derby Final, carded as race two at 350 yards, brings together ten of the top Arizona-bred sophomores who advanced through the April 1 trial heats.

Leading the field is Alitlelesstalk, installed as the 3-1 morning-line favorite after posting the second-fastest qualifying time. He was narrowly defeated in the trials by Hw Tellum Sweetly in a tight finish, signaling a rematch that could again come down to the wire. The gelding has already proven his class this season, capturing the $38,000 Desert Classic Derby and compiling a consistent record of three wins and two runner-up finishes while earning $83,219.

Owned and bred in Arizona by Ralph and Carolyn Fales, Alitlelesstalk is a son of Tell Cartel out of Jess One Looke by Jesse James Jr. Trainer Matthew M. Fales will send him out from post five with Mark A. Jasso in the irons, aiming for another major stake’s performance. The field will be reduced by one following the scratch of Desperadoe, but the remaining contenders are expected to deliver a competitive and fast-paced showdown as they vie for derby honors.

The opening race features the $32,800 Mark T Bars Stakes, where ten Arizona-breds aged three and up will sprint 350 yards.

Trainer Adolfo Armendáriz Celaya holds a strong hand with two major contenders, led by Hes My Sweetheart, the 3-1 morning-line favorite breaking from the rail. The five-year-old gelding enters in top form following an optional claiming victory earlier this month and boasts an impressive résumé of six wins from nine starts with earnings of $100,592.

The Arizona homebred, owned by Fernando Canales, is sired by Panama Wes and out of the One Sweet Jess mare Sheza Sweet Fire, with Mark A. Jasso returning for the ride.

Stablemate Whiskey Wes adds further depth to the race at 4-1 odds from post nine. The six-year-old gelding has been remarkably consistent this year, recording two wins along with a second and third from four starts, all against similar company. With seven career victories and earnings of $123,326 for owner Andrea Canales, Whiskey Wes brings proven experience and form into the contest.

Also, Panama Wes is by Corona Cocktail out of the mare Maur Bug and was bred in Arizona by Juan Estrella Chevero. Jockey Kiaman McGregor takes the call as he looks to guide the veteran to another strong effort.

With two competitive stakes events leading off the card, Saturday’s program at Turf Paradise promises an exciting afternoon for fans and bettors alike, as Arizona’s top Quarter Horses showcase their speed and class in a pair of races that could produce thrilling finishes and standout performances.

The races at Turf Paradise can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

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