Hes My Sweetheart, ridden by Mark Jasso, wins the $22,500 AQRA Turf Paradise Derby Consolation Stakes on Tuesday.

© Coady Media

PHOENIX, AZ–DECEMBER 31, 2024–Hes My Sweetheart proves he is fast with his fourth victory this season in Tuesday's $22,500 AQRA Turf Paradise Derby Consolation Stakes.

After a bad start in the AQRA Turf Paradise Derby trials, Hes My Sweetheart placed fourth, breaking his three-run win streak and qualifying to the consolation. But the three-year-old gelding proved he deserved to win after today's impressive 2 1/2-length victory in the finals.

Piloted by Mark Jasso, Hes, My Sweetheart was only 1/18th of a second outside of the track record setting time, clocking a 102-speed index in 19.660 seconds. After a bumped break out of the gates, Hes My Sweetheart took off like a bullet at first call, and the 400-yard victory paid $3.60 to win on 4-5 odds.

Apolitical Solution, ridden by Jonathan Roman, crossed the wire in second. Rebs Regalo, with Kody Kellenberger in the irons, and Bigg Casino, guided by J. Botello, dead-heated for third.

Hes My Sweetheart only made one start in his freshman campaign but has lit the Turf Paradise track on fire for 2024 with four wins from six starts, including the AQRA Quarter Horse Derby and Turf Paradise Maiden Stakes. Today's $13,500 winner's share boosted his lifetime earnings to $77,490.

Trainer Adolfo Armendariz Celaya saddled Hes My Sweetheart for owner-breeder Fernando Canales. The son of Panama Wes was bred in Arizona out of the One Sweet Jess mare Sheza Sweet Fire, who is a half-sister to stakes winner Fj Blackdiamond and from the family of champion Queen For Cash. Hes My Sweetheart is a full brother to Sweet Fire Wes, winner of this year's AQRA Futurity last week.

Runner-up Apolitical Solution has lit the board nine of 14 starts with two wins and $23,713 in the bank. Trainer Adan Farias owns the daughter of Corona Cartel in partnership with Celina Molina. Stantos Montemayor bred the sorrel filly in California out of Jess Master by Apollitical Jess.

Jesus Fernando Ortega Sr conditioned Rebs Regalo for owner Jo Ann Di Filippo. The winning son of El Regalo Espanglish has earned $19,970 from seven starts. Sharon Denham bred him in Arizona from the Shazoom mare Guitar Superstition.

Heraclio Botello trains Bigg Casino for owner Jorge Landeros. The multiple-winning son of Big Daddy Cartel was bred in New Mexico out of Maggies Miracle LX by Dean Miracle Bred by Benny and Donna Smith. The gray gelding has earned $22,767 from 14 starts.

Mr Prize Kvn, Disregard My Fashion, Corazon Stoli and Rcaintshefamous complete the order of finish.

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