North Dakota Horse Park hosted the $22,400 NDQHRA Derby on Saturday's race card.

© Wendy Reuer

By StallioneSearch

FARGO, ND—AUGUST 2, 2025—Wrangler 123 delivered a sharp front-running performance to capture the $22,400 NDQHRA Derby at North Dakota Horse Park, holding off a determined field of 3-year-old North Dakota-breds going 400 yards.

With Kody Kellenberger aboard, the brown gelding broke alertly from post three, split rivals early, and seized command before winning by three-quarters of a length in a final time of 20.509 seconds. The win earned a speed index of 89 over a fast track with a 10-mph crosswind.

Bred and owned by Billy Buchholz of North Dakota, Wrangler 123 is a son of the leading third-crop sire Flying Cowboy 123 out of Marmolly, by Freighttrain B.

Trained by Robert Johnson, the gelding secured $10,080 of the purse for the win, boosting his earnings to $24,559. He rewarded backers with a $7.00 win payoff.

Wrangler 123's victory marked another stakes score for his trainer, who also trained the runner-up and third-place finishers.

Famous Speedy One, the 2-1 post-time favorite, chased the leader gamely down the stretch but proved second-best. The brown gelding is by Famous Painted One and out of Little Free Speed, by Free Company.

Bred by Darrel Smith and Noreen Cavanaugh, he races for Wilson Racing Stables and is trained by Robert Johnson. Ridden by Larren Delorme, he collected $4,480 for his effort, pushing his bankroll to $42,000.

Moonshynin Diva, a gray filly by champion Moonin The Eagle, rallied strongly on the far outside to finish third by a length. Out of Divas First Moon, by First Moonflash, she was bred and is owned by David L. Wisdom and trained by Johnson.

Dakota Wood was in the irons. A $30,000 RNA at the 2023 Heritage Place Yearling Sale, Moonshynin Diva earned $2,240 to bring her earnings to $14,405.

The field also included Ac Giddyupgo in fourth, followed by Her Choice Is Cash, Must Be Magic, and Shesa Okeydokey Jess. Im Rip was scratched by the stewards.

Pari-mutuel payoffs included $7 to win, $3.40 to place, and $2.60 to show on Wrangler 123, $3.40 to place and $3.20 to show on Famous Speedy One, and $3.00 to show on Moonshynin Diva.

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