Like Tequila Does, ridden by Luis Maldonado, sets a new track record and qualifies with the fastest time to the $25,000-estimated NDQHRA Derby on Sunday at North Dakota Horse Park.

© North Dakota Horse Park

FARGO, ND–JULY 21, 2024–Eight three-year-old North Dakota breds qualified from two trials on Sunday to the NDQHRA Derby at North Dakota Horse Park. They will return to the $25,000-estimated finals on Saturday, August 3.

Like Tequila Does sets the time to beat under the guidance of jockey Luis Maldonado. The daughter of Famous Painted One clocked a 107 speed index in :19.860 seconds, beating Prankster's 400-yard track record from 2022. The post-time favorite's victory by 1 1/2-lengths over stablemate Grit Eye paid $4.20 to win.

Owned by Jason Smith, Like Tequila Does has three wins from four starts with $18,065 in the bank, including last year's NDQHRA Futurity. Darrel Smith and Noreen Cavanaugh bred the sorrel filly out of Little Speed Wagon by Paintyourownwagon.

Robert Don Johnson trains Like Tequila Does, as well as the second fastest qualifier, Grit Eye, who was ridden by Rey Hernandez.

Grit Eye only has one win from ten starts with $9,040 in the bank for owner Brooke Buchholz. The son of Hawkeye was fourth in the Dan Lockie Derby and NDQHRA Futurity. Kari Buchholz bred the gray gelding out of Marmalades Cartel by Carters Cartel.

Robert Don Johnson and Terry Davis train three finalists returning to the NDQHRA Derby. Owner John Bubel owns three of them as well.

CLICK HERE for complete details on the $25,000 estimated NDQHRA Derby trials, including horse, sex, sire, dam, dam sire, owner, breeder, trainer and jockey.

Editor's note: A photo of this race will be posted with this article as soon as it is available from the track photographer.