Gold Gun Z set the fastest qualifying time at Delta Downs with Noe Castaneda aboard in the Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby trials.

© Hodges Photography

By David Smith, StallioneSearch

VINTON, LA–JUNE 19, 2025–Gold Gun Z led a standout group of qualifiers during trials for the $154,230 Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby (RG3), posting the fastest time of the evening on Thursday.

The 400-yard final for accredited Louisiana-bred 3-year-old colts and geldings will be contested on July 12 at Delta Downs in Vinton, Louisiana.

Owned by Party Tyme Racing and trained by Jose R. Espinosa, Gold Gun Z was impressive from gate to wire in the first of three trial heats. The gelded son of second-crop sire Gold Heart Eagle V out of Cf Smokin Gun, by Tres Seis, broke sharply under jockey Noe Castaneda and widened his margin through the stretch to win by a half-length in 19.996.

Bred in Louisiana by Slash Z Quarter Horses, the $122,000 LQHBA Yearling Sale graduate was never threatened as he recorded a 92 speed index while securing the top qualifying spot.

Gold Gun Z won the Laddie Futurity(RG2) at Delta Downs last year, was fourth in the LQHBA Million Futurity(RG1) and second in the Mardi Gras Derby earlier this year. He has won four of nine starts and earned $237,497.

Also advancing from that same trial was runner-up G Amtrak B, who clocked in at 20.076 to post the second-fastest qualifying time.

The colt by world champion sire Freighttrain B out of Jess Tempting To Fly, by Tempting Dash, is owned by Fausto G. Mendoza and trained by John E. Norwood, Jr.

With Everardo Rodriguez in the irons, G Amtrak B broke well and was game in pursuit of the winner. Bred by Gerard Hebert, the bay colt earned a 90 speed index with a solid runner-up performance. Last year he was a finalist in the LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity(RG1) and has earned $81,935.

Rounding out the top three qualifiers was Nbc Mr Booz, who overcame long odds to win the final trial in 20.116. The son of Freighttrain B out of Swingin Miss Jess, by Mr Jess Perry, dueled throughout before edging clear to a head victory under jockey Jose Ariel Rodriguez.

Bred by Neal Cormier, the bay gelding is trained by Miguel A. Castillo for owner 3L Horse Ranch. The $30,000 LQHBA purchase displayed grit and determination in a close finish to register an 89 speed index. Winner of the Lousiana Juvenile Stakes at Delta last year, he has banked $72041.

Each Delta Downs Derby trial carried a purse of $10,000 and the winners each took home $6,000.

The ten fastest qualifiers will return for the July 12 final, where they will compete for a share of the rich purse and the prestige of capturing one of Louisiana's most notable sophomore Quarter Horse events.

CLICK HERE for a list of Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby (RG3) finalists with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys.

Delta Downs will host a special 12-race program starting Friday night at 6:15 pm (CDT). The entire card will feature qualifying trials for this year’s $597,622 Lee Berwick Futurity (RG1).

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For more information about the season, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.

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