Rios Dashing Spirit, with Hugo Gutierrez aboard, set the fastest time for the Old South Derby Trials on Friday at Delta Downs

© Hodges Photography

by Leann Noguera/StallioneSearch

VINTON, LA–APRIL 25, 2025–On Friday evening, thirty-five three-year-old quarter horses competed in four trials for one of ten spots to the $110,800 Old South Derby finals at Delta Downs.

The highlight was Rios Dashing Spirit, the fastest qualifier from the second trial, achieving a 95 speed index with a time of 16.719 seconds in a gate-to-wire effort. Jockey Hugo Gutierrez guided the daughter of Apollitical Spirit to victory, finishing a length ahead of Cowgirl Chick and paying out $30.20 for backers as a 14-1 long shot.

Bred and owned by BM AQ Racing LLC and trained by Paull Leal, Rios Dashing Spirit now has two wins from nine starts and career earnings of $24,550. She is out of Rios Dashing Patty by Heza Fast Dash.

In the first trial, post-time favorite Jj Jessa Dynasty won with a 94 speed index in 17.743 seconds, finishing 3/4-lengths ahead of San Lorenzo Trump. The daughter of Jj Jess An Meteorite settled for the second fastest time of the night.

Co-owned by trainer Jose Carrizales and Jorge Bazaldua Jr., she boasts a record of 4-3-2 from 12 starts and $43,856 in the bank. Jj Jessa Dynasty placed second in the De Saix Stakes and was a finalist in the EVD Futurity [G2] during her freshman campaign.

J & J Stables bred Jj Jessa Dynasty in Texas out of the FDD Dynasty mare Jb Chick Dynasty.

CLICK HERE for complete details on the $110,800 Old South Derby trials, including horse, sex, sire, dam, dam sire, owner, breeder, trainer, and jockey. Finals are to be run on May 16, 2025.

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