Four Sweet Kid, ridden by Oscar Andrade Jr, wins the AQRA Derby at Turf Paradise

© Coady Media

by Leann Noguera/StallioneSearch

PHOENIX, AZ–APRIL 24, 2025–After losing footing in the trials, which resulted in a third-place finish, Four Sweet Kid returns to the finals to prove he has the speed to pull off another stakes victory this year in the $45,000 AQRA Quarter Horse Derby at Turf Paradise.

Early favorite Four Sweet Kid, ridden by Oscar Andrade Jr, won the 350-yard final from gate-to-wire by a length over Nevaeh West in 17.640 seconds, clocking a 93 speed index. The son of One Sweet Jess’s winning effort paid $4.00 on even odds.

The winning connections of Four Sweet Kid accept the $45,000 AQRA Derby trophy at Turf Paradise on Thursday. © Coady Media

The $30,020 payday increased Four Sweet Kid’s bankroll to $111,483 and improved his record to four wins from eight starts, including the Desert Classic Futurity last year and this year’s Desert Classic Derby Stakes. He placed second in the AQRA Futurity in 2024 as well.

Jose Aguilar Mendoza bred and owns the three-time stakes winner out of Loud Little Kid by Kiddy Up. Diego Cervantes saddled Four Sweet Kid.

Runner-up Nevaeh West, ridden by Mark Jasso, earned her first black type score with today’s second-place finish. She has a record of 1-3-4 from 13 starts with $15,733 in lifetime earners.

Rigoberto Guillen trains the daughter of Panama West for owner-breeder Salvador Pimienta. Nevaeh West is out of Personal Honor by Mr Jess Perry.

Trainer Umberto Belloc named jockey Jacob Enriguez to ride third-place finisher Imm A Heart On Fire. The daughter of Chilitos has one win from ten starts and has earned $18,451 for owner Juan Manual Carreon. Windy Acres Stables bred the sorry filly out of A Dirty Feature by Feature Mr Jess.

Kj Flashy Girl, Fancey Like, Ruff An Rowdy, Tell America, Mrs Arizona Braza, Screaming Eagle Sp and Jd Dash Jr complete the order of finish.

*******************

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.