HIALEAH PARK, FL—JANUARY 31, 2010—Sophisticated Snow went from maiden to stakes winner in 21.391 seconds today at Hialeah Park with his neck-long triumph in the featured South Florida Quarter Horse Derby at 440 yards, while Chi Ter and One Tough Dude were visually impressive winning undercard stakes races today over a fast track under cloudy skies.

Trained by Adrian Soto, Sophisticated Snow was winless from seven previous starts but had finished second behind familiar rivals Shakem Blue and Thad Matta in his two most recent attempts this meet.

The Texas-bred son of This Snow Is Royal from the Grade I-placed mare Sophisticated Sign earned just over $60,000 for owner Zeferino Garcia with today’s win from a total purse of $143,650, including added money. Winning jockey Rodrigo Vallejo collected his second win of the day aboard Sophisticated Snow.

Racing for Dan and Jolene Urschel, Shakem Blue rushed to an early lead but could not hold on through the 440 yards. He earned $25,857 for the second place the derby effort. The Jess Louisiana Blue colt is handled by AQHA racings 8-time champion trainer Paul Jones and was ridden by Alex Baldillez, Jr. He pushed his career earnings to nearly $53,000.

Definatly Maybe, racing for Jose Angel, was 1 ¼ lengths back in third. The Panther Mountain gelding was saddled by Manuel Mata, ridden by Victor Olivo and earned $17,238.

Post time favorite Gallant Corona was fourth.

Following a major bumping incident away from the gate that survived a steward, jockey and trainer inquiry, the order of finish was Sophisticated Snow, Shakem Blue, Definatly Maybe, Gallant Corona, Cedar Creek, Mr Brimmerton, Thad Matta, Eyes On My Corona, Oscar Daydreamer and Mr Zee Vee Cup.

Chi Ter Is Easy Winner in South Florida QH Invitational

Three-year-olds that ran in the South Florida Quarter Horse Derby trials but did not qualify got together in the $30,000 guaranteed Invitational consolation race today, and Chi Ter turned in a dominating performance as the 4-5 favorite under Alex Baldillez, Jr. for trainer Brian Muse, running 440 yards in 21.412.

Racing for owner Joel Rod Pierce of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, the grade 1 finalist by Granite Lake completed the course in a quick :21.412 to earn a 102 speed index. He picked $18,000 for the winning effort.

Mr Black Jesse, a Take Off Jess gelding owned by Jose A. Gomez was second. Jose Aguirre handled the training duties with Dennis Means aboard.

A ½ length back in third was Royaltime Separatist owned by King Camden Running Horses, Inc. The Separatist filly was saddled by Shane Cox and ridden by Oscar Delgado.

Completing the field were Jp Cruiser, Winning Gol and Jess Fischin. Brimful, Jeff For You, Ooh My Bad My Bad and Swingin Daddyo were scratched.

One Tough Dude Sets New Track Record in Sunshine State Stakes

Between those two races, One Tough Dude registered his fourth consecutive win for trainer Paul Jones in the $27,500 Sunshine State Stakes over 220 yards, getting up by a neck as the even money favorite under jockey Larry Payne.

Racing for Ramon Gallegos, the Corona Cartel 4-year-old, completed the course in :11.752 to earn a 104 speed index and set a new track record. Force Of Angels set the previous record of :12.003 on December 27, 2009.

The brown gelding also set a new track record last summer at Ruidoso Downs for 300 yards.

One Tough Dude earned $16,500 while stepping up the stakes winning level for the first time in his career.

Keith Dooly's Corona For Jolie put in a solid effort to finish second, earning $5,500. The Corona for Me 4-year-old was handled by Gary Walker and ridden by Ray Bennett.

Toni and Lloyd Yother's Cassanova Corona was neck off the leaders in third. The Corona Caliente 5-year-old is trained by William Harris and had the riding services of William Ives. He earned $2,750 for the effort.

Completing the field were Check On Chico, This Flights For You, Bye Bye Cartel, Royal Quick Rebel, Dash To The Toast, Mighty Fast Man and Eyesa Western.

Live American Quarter Horse racing continues tomorrow at Hialeah Park and concludes this Tuesday, February 2, for the current season. Gates open at 1 p.m. and first post is 2:05.