Multiple graded winner Gold Gun Z (#6) holds off restricted Grade 1 winner San Lorenzo Chrome (#4) to set the fastest qualifying time for the LQHBA Breeders' Derby(RG3) on Saturday at Evangeline Downs.

© Hodges Photography

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

OPELOUSAS, LA—NOVEMBER 29, 2025—A pair of trials for the $125,000-est. LQHBA Breeders’ Derby (RG3) was contested this evening at Evangeline Downs, where a field of accredited Louisiana-bred 3-year-olds lined up at 350 yards seeking one of ten spots in the December 20 final.

Multiple stakes winner Gold Gun Z posted the fastest time of the day, one of three standout performances that headlined the trial action. The Derby final, run at 350 yards, will carry an estimated purse of $125,000 for Louisiana-bred sophomores.

Gold Gun Z delivered a determined effort in the opening heat, dueling throughout to hold off grade 1 winner San Lorenzo Chrome by a head at the wire to record the fastest qualifying mark of 17.621 seconds, a 98 speed index into a 10 mph headwind.

The son of second-crop sire Gold Heart Eagle V, out of Cf Smokin Gun by Tres Seis, races for Party Tyme Racing and was bred in Louisiana by Slash Z Quarter Horses.

Trained by Jose R. Espinosa and ridden by Noe Castaneda, the 3-year-old gelding entered the trials off steady form that included winning the Delta Downs LA Bred Derby(RG3) and Laddie Futurity(RG2), reaffirming his credentials with Saturday’s top qualifying performance. He is a six-time winner in 12 starts with earnings of $424,654.

Making his first start since winning the LQHBA Louisiana Million (RG1) a year ago, San Lorenzo Chrome, who pressed the winner every step of the way, secured the second-fastest qualifying time with a strong 17.642 clocking, also a 98 speed index.

The colt is by world champion sire Freighttrain B and out of Jet Black Presence by Jet Black Patriot. Owned by Rogelio Marquez, Jr. and bred by Charles Boudreaux, the bay sophomore is trained by Juan C. Garcia and was ridden by Arturo Alvarez.

A $30,000 LQHBA Yearling Sale graduate, San Lorenzo Chrome showed sharp early speed and held a clear advantage over the rest of the field while finishing a strong second behind the fastest qualifier. The four-time winner has earned $477,139.

The second trial produced the third-fastest qualifier of the day when Moneys On powered away from his rivals to win convincingly in 17.819 seconds, a 93 speed index into an 8 mph headwind.

The Tarzanito gelding, out of First Lady B by Jess Louisiana Blue, races for owner Tommy E. Rhodes and was bred in Louisiana by Ryan and Jude Robicheaux. He is a $30,000 graduate of the LQHBA Yearling Sale.

Trained by Vann E. Haywood and guided by jockey Federico Vargas, Moneys On lived up to his role as the post-time favorite with a confident, measure-and-go performance that solidified his place among the top contenders moving forward. Fifth in the Delta Downs LA Bred Derby(RG3) last summer, he has won two consecutive races at Evangeline Downs and earned $73,679.

The ten fastest qualifiers from today’s trials will return to Evangeline Downs on Saturday, December 20, for the $125,000-est. LQHBA Breeders’ Derby (RG3), where the top 3-year-old colts and geldings in the Pelican State will battle for the final major Louisiana-bred derby title of the season.

CLICK HERE for a complete list with times, connections, and breeding lines.

Live racing resumes on Wednesday with a 5:35 pm (CDT) first post.  The Evangeline Downs Quarter Horse season runs through December 20.

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