KJ Meduzza and jockey Nestor Duran edge past Rdd Reasons For B in the final strides to win the Restricted Grade 1 $602,705 Lee Berwick Futurity on July 11 at Delta Downs.

© Hodges Photography

By Emily Paulk, StallioneSearch

VINTON, LA–JULY 11, 2026–KJ Meduzza outdueled trial standout Rdd Reasons For B in the final strides to capture the Restricted Grade 1 $602,705 Lee Berwick Futurity on Louisiana Showcase Night at Delta Downs. The 350-yard championship featured the state's top Louisiana-bred juveniles and served as the centerpiece of a nine-stakes program.

Second-fastest qualifier KJ Meduzza broke sharply and tracked the pace before engaging Rdd Reasons For B midway through the race. The pair battled to the wire, with KJ Meduzza surging late to prevail by a nose. Third-fastest qualifier Man For Cos closed strongly on the outside to finish another neck back in third.

Ridden by Nestor Duran, KJ Meduzza covered the 350 yards in :17.462 while earning a 101 speed index. Sent off at odds of 7-1, the gelding returned $17.40 to win.

Winning connections of KJ Meduzza.
© Hodges Photography

“Every jockey dreams of winning a big futurity,” Duran said in the winner's circle. “So, I thank the owner and trainer (Miguel Pizana) for the opportunity.”

Owned by J.A. Racing LLC and trained by Miguel Pizana, KJ Meduzza was bred in Louisiana by Ruse Ranch LLC. The gelding was a $20,000 repurchase at the LQHBA Yearling Sale and is by world champion sire Freighttrain B out of the FDD Dynasty mare FDD Reasons. His second dam is champion Jess Good Reason, winner of the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity and earner of $422,234.

The Lee Berwick victory was worth $301,353 and increased KJ Meduzza's bankroll to $347,636. He now owns a record of 6-2-0-0.

Fastest qualifier Rdd Reasons For B finished second under Leonardo Rodriguez after setting the pace and refusing to yield until the final jump. The Juan Garcia trainee was bred by Richard "Dale" Domingue and purchased for $18,000 at the 2025 LQHBA Yearling Sale.

The filly is also by Freighttrain B and out of the FDD Dynasty mare FDD Reasons, making her a full sibling to the winner. Her pedigree includes champion Jess Good Reason ($422,234), winner of the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity.

Rdd Reasons For B stopped the clock in :17.466 while matching the winner's 101 speed index. She now has a record of 4-2-2-0 with earnings of $168,857. Earlier this year, she finished second in the Restricted Grade 2 Louisiana Bred Lassie Futurity.

Domingue, who also bred and campaigned 2016 Lee Berwick finalist Rdd Lajollanfastdash, was proud of the effort despite the narrow defeat.

“She ran a great race and got a 101 speed index, up from her trial, which was a 97,” Domingue said. “I'm disappointed, but very proud to have come so close this year with my homebred.”

Man For Cos completed the trifecta under Jorge Garcia for trainer Jose Garcia and owner-breeder Ruse Ranch LLC. The gelding is by KJ Mucho Macho Man and out of the Tee Cos mare Just For Cos.

His female family includes champion Really Dash and graded stakes winners Royal Bushwhacker ($290,770) and Andelay Baby Andalay ($103,356). After earning a 99 speed index in the Lee Berwick, Man For Cos improved his record to 5-3-0-1 with earnings of $84,030. He entered the futurity off a finalist effort in the Grade 2 Louisiana Bred Laddie Futurity.

Cosimabadmammajamma finished fourth and was followed by Vigilanty, Mp Coco Pilot, Mucho Traffic, Epyphany, Mucho Man Shortstop, and Hes Jess Innocent. Mr La was scratched.

*Additional editorial coverage provided by Martha Claussen.

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