Brother Ray edges Mayor Humdinger by a nose under Irving Lara to win the Restricted Grade 2 $160,000 Governor's Cup Derby on California Breeders Champions Night at Los Alamitos.

© William Zuazo

By Orlando Gutierrez

CYPRESS, CA–JULY 26, 2026–Playing the role of spoiler to perfection, Brother Ray rose to the occasion on California Breeders Champions Night, turning in a star-making performance to capture the $160,000 Governor’s Cup Derby (RG2) at Los Alamitos.

After running a hard-fought second in the El Primero Del Año Derby in April, the bay gelding got his ultimate derby spoils on Sunday night. Brother Ray shook off some early bumping at the break before swiftly accelerating to take the lead soon after. Under rider Irving Lara, he powered down the 400-yard straightaway and dug deep to hold off a relentless surge from Mayor Humdinger by a nose in :19.846.

Brother Ray proved to be the night’s ultimate spoiler. Not only did he hand heavyweight Doodah Cartel his first defeat in six starts this season, but he also spoiled Mayor Humdinger’s hopes of becoming the first runner to sweep the Governor’s Cup Futurity and Derby since Powerful Favorite accomplished the rare double in 2018–19.

Winning connections of Brother Ray. © William Zuazo

“I can't say enough about Doodah Cartel,” winning trainer Jose Flores said. “He's such a hard horse to beat. Mayor Humdinger is a tremendous horse as well. We got a perfect trip tonight. He flies. He broke like never before. He hung on and got it done. He did everything perfect. Things went his way. We've been waiting for something like this for him for a long time. He's always been such a great-looking horse. We've been excited for him.”

Flores also laughed when reflecting on the tense photo finish: “It's scary. You don't know if you got it done or not. I had faith that he got the last bob. It was a tough race. It's always special. The partnership consists of great owners and hopefully this horse continues this path all the way through the Super Derby.”

Bred by Dr. Steve Burns, Brother Ray is owned by Burns in partnership with Gerardo Herrera, Javier Alvarez, and Flores. Sired by Favorite Cartel and out of Tac Out, the $102,000 Heritage Place Sale purchase earned $67,200 for the victory, boosting his career earnings to $219,469 across five wins in 11 starts. Flores has now saddled the Governor’s Cup Derby winning in three out of the last four years. He also won this race with Mask Mandate in 2024 and Future Version in 2023.

Mike Casselman’s homebred Mayor Humdinger earned $27,200 for his valiant runner-up finish under Moises Arriaga. Doodah Cartel, who reared at the gate and brushed with rivals early, rallied to secure $19,200 in third. Trainer Paul Jones indicated the colt could make his next start in the trials for the Golden State Derby next month. Fancy Upp and Hurry Up rounded out the top five. Slatedtoshine, French Valley, Walk When I Walk, Mastros and Shiny New completed the field.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.