Under jockey Angel Ramirez, post-time favorite Imma Southern Bell won the $57,575 Iowa Stallion Derby for accredited Iowa-bred 3-year-olds at 400 yards.

© Jack Coady Photography

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

ALTOONA, IA—AUGUST 17, 2025—Heavily favored Imma Southern Bell lived up to expectations Sunday at Prairie Meadows, powering to victory in the $57,575 Iowa Stallion Derby for accredited Iowa-bred 3-year-olds at 400 yards.

Under jockey Angel Ramirez, the sorrel filly posted a winning time of 20.455 seconds, while battling a 5 mph headwind on a fast track.

Owned by Ricky Neff and Tony Dean Jones and trained by Tony Jones, the daughter of Go To The Gravel out of Southernrunaway by Southern Cartel was bred in Iowa by Jones and Neff. She earned the winner’s share of $27,636, increasing her credentials as one of the stop state-bred sophomore fillies.

Winner of last year's Iowa Stallion Futurity and a finalist in the 2025 Cyclone Derby, Imma Southern Bell has banked $86,045 in seven career starts.

The winning connections of Imma Southern Bell accept the Iowa Stallion Derby stakes trophy at Prairie Meadows. © Jack Coady Photography

Second-place honors went to Jess Praising Him, a sorrel gelding by Mr Jesse out of Lil Blue Runaway by Streak and Dash. Bred in Iowa by Jason Kindle, he races for Jim Kobett and is also conditioned by Tony Jones.

With jockey Mario Delgado up, Jess Praising Him finished a clear second, a half-length behind the winner to collect $10,939 for his effort, nearly doubling his earnings to $24,633.

Third went to Jb Royal Gravel, a sorrel gelding by Go To The Gravel out of Real Royal Down by Mr Jess Perry. Bred in Iowa by Kay J. Sage, the gelding is owned by her breeder and trained by Alex Wessels.

Ridden by Miguel Ramirez, Jb Royal Gravel rallied for third, finishing 1½ lengths behind the leaders. She picked up $5,757 for her effort.

Ts Fast As My Gto, Steped N What, Trs Snot Nose Kid, and Gravel N Grace completed the field.

Pari-mutuel payoffs returned $3.00 to win, $2.20 to place, and $2.10 to show on Imma Southern Bell. Jess Praising Him paid $5.00 to place and $3.20 to show, while Jb Royal Gravel returned $4.20 to show.

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