Wicked Cowgirl Smart, under jockey Luis Valenzuela, setting the fastest time in two trials contested Thursday at Turf Paradise for the AQRA Quarter Horse Derby.

© Coady Photography

PHOENIX, AZ—APRIL 11, 2024—Coming off a win in the AQRA President's Open Spring Derby on March 25, Wicked Cowgirl Smart raced to her third-consecutive win in as many starts this season on Thursday at Turf Paradise.

Wicked Cowgirl Smart led throughout, under jockey Luis Valenzuela to post the fastest qualifying time of :17.419 seconds, a 101 speed index.

The 10 fastest qualifiers will return to Turf Paradise on Thursday, May 2 to vie for the winner's share of a $45,000-added purse going 350 yards.

Trainer Leonel Gonzalez conditions multiple stakes winner Wicked Cowgirl Smart for owner-breeder J Lazy Six Ranch. The Arizona-bred daughter of leading sire Flying Cowboy 123 is out of the Pyc Paint Your Wagon mare Df I Aint Jo Wagon.

Winner of the Fred Scane Stakes at Los Alamitos last summer, the bay filly has won five of eight starts and banked $72,737.

The lightly raced Hes My Sweetheart posted a neck win over Av Hesadasher in the second trial to get the second fastest clocking of :17.463 seconds, a 99-speed index.  Jockey Mark Jasso had the riding call aboard the Panama Wes gelding for owner-breeder Fernando Canales.

Trainer Adolfo Armendariz saddled the Arizona-bred gelding to his second win in four career starts. Bred from the One Sweet Jess mare Sheza Sweet Fire, Hes My Sweetheart has earned $30,165.

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