AV Hesadashair holds off a strong field to capture the Mark T Bars Stakes at Turf Paradise on April 25.

© Coady Media

By Emily Paulk, StallioneSearch

PHOENIX, AZ—April 25, 2026—AV Hesadashair delivered a breakout performance Saturday at Turf Paradise, capturing the $32,800 Mark T Bars Stakes at 350 yards for three-year-olds and up, earning his first career stakes victory in the process.

Under jockey Blake Nunnally, AV Hesadashair surged to the lead and held firm late to stop the clock in :17.895 seconds, earning an 85 speed index.

The gelding, a homebred for Angel Valenzuela and trained by Luis Valenzuela, collected the $19,352 winner’s share of the purse, boosting his career earnings to $75,266. He now owns a record of 15-4-4-2.

The winning connections of AV Hesadashair accept the $32,800 Mark T Bars Stakes trophy at Turf Paradise on Saturday. © Coady Media

Sired by Dashair and out of the Count Corona mare Shesaflying Corona, AV Hesadashair had previously placed third in the 2025 edition of the Mark T Bars Stakes and was a finalist in the AQRA Turf Paradise Derby. Despite his consistency, this marked his first stakes victory and came as a mild upset over a more accomplished field.

Hes My Sweetheart, a multiple stakes winner and the likely favorite, finished second after a strong effort, also posting an 85 speed index. The homebred gelding for Fernando Canales is trained by Adolfo Armendariz Celaya and was ridden by Mark Jasso.

Sired by Panama Wes and out of the One Sweet Jess mare Sheza Sweet Fire, he entered the race with wins in the AQRA Turf Paradise Derby and Turf Paradise Maiden Stakes. He now holds a record of 11-6-2-0 with earnings of $106,824.

Third place went to CM Panama Playboy, who was making his first career stakes appearance and responded with a solid effort, earning an 84 speed index. Ridden by Manuel Americano for owner Eddie Megariz and trainer Jesus Ortega, the gelding is bred by Carolyn Megariz.

He is sired by Panama Wes and out of the Heza Motor Scooter mare Shesa Deva. CM Panama Playboy now has a record of 13-3-3-2 with earnings of $46,827.

Yellowstonee finished fourth, followed by Four Sweet Kid, AV Tornadoe Warning, Whiskey Wes, Sweet Fire Wes and KJ Flashy Girl. Tell Tyrus was scratched.

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